Meet Doug Parsons: New EDA Executive Director

On May 8th, Douglas J. Parsons took over as the Warren County EDA’s new Executive Director.

Beginning his career as Project Administrator for the Region VI Planning and Development Council, Mr. Parsons served as Executive Director of the Lewis County Economic Development Authority for eleven years where he developed and executed a multi-faceted strategic plan for infrastructure, business attraction and retention resulting in the successful location of a variety of businesses employing several hundred new employees. While in Lewis County Mr. Parsons also was instrumental in securing land for a new 73-acre industrial park and writing and administering over $10 million in grants. Mr. Parsons also served as Business Development Manager in the Town of Leesburg for three years and currently serves as Business Manager for the Workforce Solutions Division of the Commonwealth’s Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). In his current position, Mr. Parsons has responsibility for project management of 91 prospects and active accounts in the Northern Virginia area, assisting with the development of workforce training analysis for clients and business prospects, working with local economic development authorities, universities, community colleges and state agencies.

When he accepted the position Mr. Parsons stated that, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. Warren County is a thriving, growing community that has so much to offer business and industry. I’m anxious to start working with our existing companies, new business prospects and community leaders to help create new jobs and expand the tax base for our citizens.”

Mr. Parsons has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Advertising with a minor in Psychology from the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University. In the past Mr. Parsons has been certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council and has taken advantage of numerous economic development related courses offered through the International Economic Development Council. He is a 2002 graduate of Leadership West Virginia and a Certified Project Administrator through the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council.

Chairman A. Gray Blanton noted that during the interview process, “Doug impressed us with his preparation and the depth of his experience He has what is needed to perform as our executive director, experienced, knowledgeable, organized and a pleasant personality.”

WCEDA Treasurer Thomas Patteson indicated that, “The Warren County-Front Royal EDA is most fortunate to have Mr. Doug Parsons as its new executive director. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic development and should serve the citizens of Warren County with distinction”.

Recently elected WCEDA Secretary Ed Daley stated that, “We are honored that Doug Parson will be joining the WCEDA team. His experience in West Virginia and with the VDEP makes him an ideal candidate to lead our efforts to promote economic development in Front Royal and Warren County. His relationships with many area businesses and industry leaders will help to move forward immediately”.

Mr. Parsons was chosen from a national pool of twelve candidates who were screened by a committee selected by the Board. The committee narrowed down the pool to four candidates and each candidate was interviewed by the Board. Finalists were subjected to an intensive background check.

Mr. Parsons lives in Rippon, West Virginia with his wife and son and has a daughter currently residing in Germany.

Doug stopped by our studios last week and had a conversation with Royal Examiner’s publisher Mike McCool: