Emily Crawford has been recommended by Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree to be hired as the new Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Director for the City of Brownwood. She will replace long time Executive Director James Campbell.
The BEDC Board of Directors unanimously approved support and compensation for the hiring of Crawford at Monday’s special meeting of the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation. The Brownwood city council is expected to confirm the appointment at Tuesday’s meeting.
Crawford has a proven track record of success beginning with the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association in Austin, where she planned, budgeted, negotiated bids and managed two of the largest trade shows in the state of Texas. She is well known in the Brownwood business community serving as the Convention Visitors Bureau Director and Marketing Manager for the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce where she was the administrator for the Marketing Alliance promoting business expansion and relocation. She chaired the Chamber’s Tourism Committee and reported directly to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Brownwood City Council. Most recently, she has been employed as the Brownwood Independent School District’s Community Relations Coordinator where she served as a liaison between the school district and the community, co-developed and coordinated the PASS project, developed and distributed informational material promoting BISD.
Crawford is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Southwest Texas State University and among other educational courses has successfully completed the Texas Economic Development Workshop, the Basic Economic Development Course sponsored by the Texas Economic Development Council, the Texas Destination Management Certificate of Administration and Finance, and others.
City Manager Bobby Rountree stated, “Marketing is one factor that plans and important role in keeping a community competitive in the economic market. Emily’s background in marketing coupled with her strong work ethic makes her the right choice for this important position. There will be a learning curve for her, but she is a good listener, respects the opinions of others and grasps things quickly. While promoting new economic growth, Emily understands the importance of our local businesses and industry. She has a history of success in whatever she undertakes and I do not expect that to change.”
Twenty-four applicants were received and a five member committee conducted the interviews. Interview committee members included Mayor Stephen Haynes, Councilman H.D. Jones, BEDC Chairman Gary Butts, BEDC Board Member Rick Martin, and City Manager Bobby Rountree. The committee was in unanimous agreement.
Crawford has been married to her husband, Scotty for 15 years and has two sons, Tim (10) who attends Coggin Elementary and Seth (6) who attends East Elementary. She will begin her duties on April 4, 2011.
