State Economic Development Partnership official named new EDA executive

Douglas Parsons takes notes to EDA Board Chairman Gray Blanton’s right, our left, as the EDA Board of Directors, minus absent Mark Baker and two vacant seats, appoints him its new executive director. Royal Examiner Photo/Roger Bianchini

Following a closed session Monday morning the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Board of Directors approved the hiring of a permanent replacement for Jennifer McDonald as executive director. That appointment on a motion by Ed Daley, seconded by Vice-Chairman Bruce Drummond, and approved by a 4-0 vote, is of Douglas J. Parsons.

Parsons will officially begin his tenure here on May 8, at a salary of $99,000 annually. The EDA board also extended current Interim Executive Director John Anzivino’s contract through May 10.

Parsons currently serves as Business Manager for the Workforce Solutions Division of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). According to a press release on his hiring, in that position Parsons is currently responsible for project management of 91 prospects and active accounts in the Northern Virginia area. He began his career as a project administrator for the Region VI Planning and Development Council; and served for 11 years as the executive director of the Lewis County Economic Development Authority.

EDA Board Chairman Gray Blanton said Parsons was selected from a final field of four candidates whom the board interviewed – “And Mr. Parsons stood out and we’re glad to have him; the timing is good and his experience is good.”

In the EDA press release Blanton added of the selection, “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.”

Douglas Parsons following media interview immediately after his April 29 appointment to take the helm of the FR-WC EDA as it works past financial scandal and litigation.

Parsons spoke with the media after the EDA meeting’s adjournment, addressing immediate goals and a strategy to move past the current legal investigations and civil litigation swirling around the EDA to refocus its mission on presenting Front Royal and Warren County as an attractively positioned community for business location and development.

Watch the EDA Meeting and see Parsons’ appointment vote in this Royal Examiner video: