Madison County names new ‘economic development specialist’
Madison County has created a new position responsible for the identification, administration and coordination of economic development programs.
“As directed by the chairman and members of the County Board, we are no longer merely reacting to potential development opportunities, we are aggressively working for the economic development of Madison County,” said Madison County Community Development administrator Frank Miles.
Leah Dettmers will serve as the county’s new economic development specialist, a position tasked with working with developers to determine project feasibility and eligibility and coordinating the county’s economic development efforts in agriculture, tourism and transportation, among others.
“Leah (Dettmers) is a perfect addition to help take economic development in the county to the next level. Leah has relationships with key players in the business community, she has the skills to position our county for success, she is a consummate professional and is passionate about her work and about Madison County,” Miles said.
Dettmers had been serving as the Madison County’s sustainability coordinator in the Planning & Development Department. During her tenure in that job, Dettmers developed and implemented the county’s sustainability program, which annually generates in excess of $3.5 million. The county utilizes those funds to issue sustainability grants to local governments and parks for infrastructure improvements and energy efficiency programs.
“The transition of Leah (Dettmers) to the county’s economic development team is part of the increased emphasis on economic development in Madison County,” County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan said. “Following the difficult years of the recession, we are seeing steady increases in new construction, unemployment has dropped to right at five percent and corporations are again looking at growth opportunities. Now is the time to aggressively pursue economic development in Madison County.”
Dettmers brings to her new position more than 10 years of experience working with industry, government and nonprofits. Her background includes program development, budget management, project and event coordination, presentations, and program management and evaluation.
“Leah will join with Frank Miles’ team to identify and facilitate new development and, ultimately, jobs for Madison County residents,” Dunstan said. “Leah has successfully handled every task assigned to her during her career in public service, and I am confident she will excel in her new position.”
Dettmers graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a B.S. degree in organizational development / public relations. She also earned a M.A. in organizational development from SIUE.
This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 3:28 AM with the headline "Madison County names new ‘economic development specialist’."