In a release late Tuesday, the EDC announced approval of a “reorganization” of the roles of its current staff. New director Don Smith took over the job after Ed Gardner Jr. departed to take a similar role with the Birmingham Business Alliance.
Smith now has an official assistant director: Candice Hill, whose previous title was as a “marketing and retail specialist.”
“While she (Hill) will still remain active in commercial development, she will also be taking on more responsibility in the recruitment of industry,” the release says.
Hill called the new role both a challenge and an opportunity.
“I am honored to take the Assistant Director position here at the SCCEDC,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing the projects we have already been pursuing and taking on additional tasks to support the growth and changes we are currently experiencing in St. Clair County. I look forward to the challenges ahead.”
In addition to Hill’s new role, Jennifer Forman has assumed the role of Office and Special Projects Manager. In her new role, Forman will be active in the oversight of large projects taken on by the EDC as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the office.
“I have seen many changes over the past 5 years at the EDC, but I have never been more excited about my future here and the future of St. Clair County,” Forman said. “I feel that this is a very rewarding position and career. As a native of St. Clair County I am happy to be a part of the changes that will have a positive effect on my children.”
Smith approved of the changes as well.
“I have worked with Candice and Jennifer over the last couple of years and have been amazed at their ability to take on new projects whenever necessary,” she said. “As we refocused on the goals of the EDC it was important for me to evaluate the skills needed to be successful, I realized that I did not have to look very far for the skills and the commitment to St. Clair County required for us to be successful.”
The shakeup in the roles was an “imperative,” according to County Commission chairman Stan Batemon.
“It is imperative as we move forward that we be flexible to positive change,” Batemon said. “The CEDC’s ability to not only change, but improve at the same time is a testament to the leadership of the organization. We are moving forward to meet the challenges of the future in St. Clair County.”
Tommy Bowers, who chairs the EDC’s Board of Directors, also said he heartily approved of the changes.
“The restructuring of the EDC and its staff is being done to ensure the EDC continues to meet our obligations to our partners and our five year strategic plan,” Bowers said. “We have a dedicated staff who are prepared to meet the challenges and make changes needed to perform efficiently in today’s economic climate.
“Candice Hill & Jennifer Forman have a proven track record in their current jobs with the EDC and I’m sure they both will be just as successful in their new roles.”
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