|
The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has named its first, official executive director — at least under that name. The organization is an outgrowth of the former Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC), which has seen four other executive directors in that position in the organization’s 25-year history.
The announcement of the appointment of William Stewart to the post was made by KEDA board Chair Jim Carmichael. A Washington native, Stewart is currently the Senior Managing Director of the International Trade and Economic Development Division (ITED) for Washington State’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). Stewart was one of three finalists for the job, all of which would have brought top-notch credentials to the position.
“Bill Stewart brings more than 20 years of public, private and non-profit economic development experience to Kitsap County,” stated Carmichael. “His expertise, knowledge of our area, and valued relationships will be extremely beneficial to our efforts, and we are extremely pleased to have him represent us. Bill is well-positioned and eager to hit the ground running.”
Stewart is a native of Colville, Washington where he began his economic development career representing the tri-county interests of Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties. In addition, he has been the executive director of three economic development organizations, was a business development specialist for Avista Corp., the major energy provider for the Spokane area, and twice served with the State of Washington’s economic development efforts — first as the Director of Team Washington during the Gardner Administration, and most recently as its senior managing director.
“I am excited to come to Kitsap County to do economic development,” stated Stewart. “The vision presented in the 20/20 Plan is an example of the excellent collaborative efforts made toward economic development in Kitsap County, and it is now my job to implement the plan. I am really looking forward to that.”
During his economic development career he also purchased, developed and sold two community newspapers and three retail enterprises. The former newspaper editor and publisher, added, “I became highly sensitive to economic development when I owned my own newspapers.”
His first day on the job will be May 5.
|
