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Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council names Mike Evans New Executive Director

Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development CouncilClarksville, TN – The Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee Economic Development Council (EDC) extended an offer to Michael J. Evans (Mike) this Thursday morning to assume the reins as the Executive Director of the Economic Development Council. Evans will step into the role effective immediately.

The EDC was established in 1996, and currently promotes economic growth and development of Clarksville-Montgomery County.

Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council Executive Director Mike Evans.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council Executive Director Mike Evans.

The EDC also supports its member entities, the Industrial Development Board (IDB), Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Chamber of Commerce. The EDC works hand-in-hand with the local governments to create growth for all citizens. Without the support of the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County elected leaders, much of the work of the EDC could not be accomplished.

Evans is most well-known for his tenure at the IDB, serving as the Executive Director since October 1999, and has played a key role in job creation and economic development for Clarksville-Montgomery County. During his time at the IDB, he was an integral part of securing $4.8 billion in capital investment and recruiting and retaining 7,600 jobs. Much of this was due in part to the shared vision of community leaders and Evans to create a publicly owned Corporate Business Park that is fully served by all necessary infrastructure.

To date, the Corporate Business Park has grown to include a North and South expansion and is home to some of the largest names in global industry. Most recent announcements include LG, Google and Hankook Tire.

As Executive Director, Evans will lead the shared staff of the EDC and be responsible for county wide facilitation and promotion of economic development initiatives, to include working with the Chamber and CVB for their growth.

The Executive Director also serves as the Director of the Aspire Clarksville Foundation, a privately funded, non-profit organization that helps finance the initiatives of the EDC and its member entities. Moving forward, Aspire will enter its sixth campaign this fall, and Evans’ goal is to work with current stakeholders to secure their support as well as recruit new investors. The Aspire Foundation is the single most differentiator in the Clarksville-Montgomery County community by providing private investment dollars to directly promote economic development.

Amid the transition, Evans will serve a dual role as Executive Director of both the IDB and EDC. The search for his replacement at the IDB begins immediately, with the goal of a new hire in place by mid-May. Once filled, Evans will officially step down from his role at the IDB and contractually be in the EDC role through December 31st, 2018. The option to extend his contract with the EDC will be available.

“Mike brings a wealth of experience and a strong collaborative spirit to the work of our partner agencies. He has a passion for this community and its continued growth,” said Louisa Cooke, Chairman of the EDC. “He will bring assets to the table that will allow the EDC to move forward with the momentum of success our community has experienced over the last several years.”

Prior to his long-term track record of success in economic recruitment, he also worked in local industry as a comptroller for more than 20 years. He holds a B.A. degree from Austin Peay State University and has had the honor of calling Clarksville-Montgomery County home for over 65 years. He is an active member of the Southern Economic Development Council, Tennessee Economic Development Council and the Tennessee Economic Partnership, where he is currently serving on the Board.

“The Clarksville-Montgomery County EDC has accomplished impressive initiatives in the 18-plus years I have served the IDB. The endeavors so many poured their hearts into has created a wave of economic success that has set this community apart in both Middle Tennessee and the Southeast. Ultimately, my goal is to assist in the transition of the new IDB Executive Director, and eventually EDC Executive Director, and strategically grow the next Aspire Campaign. This is all a part of setting up the next generation of economic development in this community for record-breaking success.”

He and his wife, Mary Michael, have two grown children and 4 grandchildren.

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