DDA to Hire Outside Agency to Find New Executive Director
SHREVEPORT, La.-
This city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is ramping up its search for a new executive director by soliciting the services of an outside agency. Four local applicants – Adam Bailey, Guy Fortt, Cedric Glover, and Adrian Diego Lopez – have made the shortlist, despite the impending involvement of a national firm to widen the scope of potential candidates.
Engaging National Firms in the Search
Michael Corbin, the DDA Chairman, disclosed that four national agencies have expressed intent to help in the ongoing search. He predicted a swift selection process for the hiring firm. “I believe that in the next three or four days we will begin negotiations with a single firm, get a contract signed, and then get the search underway,” said Corbin.
A Rigorous Hiring Process
Janie Landry, DDA’s Interim Director, stated that the hiring process will not be taken lightly. She remarked, “Downtown is very important to the city of Shreveport. So, having someone that understands the importance of downtown, that understands that downtown is not just another organization, so it’s very important.”
The DDA board narrowed down its list of applicants to four in a meeting last week, though no contender had specific downtown development experience. Landry shared, “We received a number of applications. The board sort of regrouped and now they are looking at hiring a recruiting firm. They will include the four names that they brought forward from the applications locally and some couple from out of state.”
Nationwide Search for Diversity
Corbin explained that they are initiating a nationwide search not only to cast a wider recruitment net but also to interact with their stakeholders on a deeper level. “During the time that we’ve been talking about research, a couple of great things have happened. We’ve engaged with our downtown stakeholders at a whole different level. These include property owners, businesses, and those who live and play downtown.” he said
Interim Director Stepping Up in Absence of Executive
Amidst the hunt for a new director, the interim director has been continuing operations within the organization, according to Corbin. He expressed his confidence in the interim leadership by saying, “Downtown is still in good hands and there’s a lot going on down here. And we’re just happy we have the staff that we need to keep things running.”
Anticipated New Role for the Executive Director
The DDA divulged that the incoming executive director will play a crucial role in fostering new developments and drawing tourists, both activities of immense importance to the city’s future growth. Downtown Shreveport continues its search for the right leader to navigate these responsibilities and help shape the city’s future.
