Search Is On For Full-Time Exec For MEDC
The Marlborough Economic Development Corp. is searching for a new executive director, its third in as many years.
But leaders of the group - formerly known as Marlborough 2010 - say the shuffle at the top is a natural evolution of the organization as it moves to find a full-time executive.
"We're looking for someone that we'll be comfortable with for a while," said Arthur Bergeron, chairman of the MEDC's board of directors and a lawyer with the Worcester-based firm Mirick O'Connell.
The current executive director of the MEDC, Marilyn Whalley, joined the organization earlier this year and is only part-time. She also works as a part-time town planner in Raynham. Whalley replaced Tom Wellen, who was also part-time and stayed with the organization for about 10 months.
Now the organization, which is the quasi-public economic development arm for the city of Marlborough, is ready for a full-time leader to reach out and cultivate relationships with businesses and plan events for the organization.
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"This really has to be a full-time position," said Whalley, who is leading the search for her full-time replacement. "You need someone who has the time to build relationships and partnerships between the businesses and the city and to represent the city at the state and regional level and advocate for our business interests."
Arthur Vigeant, president of the Marlborough City Council and a member of the MEDC board, said the organization has enough money to support a full-time position, but it will need continued contributions from the city and the business community to make sure the position is fully funded in future years.
Whalley said she's already interviewed some candidates for the job and she hopes to bring about three finalists to the board of directors by next month. Bergeron said he's hoping a new director will be in place by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the MEDC has attempted to increase its presence in the community in recent months. On Sept. 22 the organization, along with Mirick O'Connell, will be hosting a business innovation summit at 100 Campus St. in Marlborough. It will include discussions and presentations about intellectual property law, venture funding and workforce development grants. Gregory Bialecki, the state secretary of housing and economic development, is scheduled to speak at the event.
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