The City of Irving has chosen Scott Connell to lead and guide the city’s economic development program as its new Economic Development Director.
In this role, Connell will be responsible for all of Irving’s economic development projects and activities, including implementing and expanding the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and working closely with the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce to search and secure new economic development prospects.
“The city conducted a lengthy search and found Scott Connell’s career extremely impressive,” said Irving City Manager Chris Hillman. “Mr. Connell has proven himself to be a tremendous leader and his diverse experience in both private and public organizations give him a unique outlook that will be beneficial to our city as we continue to grow and expand our business landscape.”
Connell has worked in both the private and public sector throughout his career. Most recently, he served as president of the Sherman Economic Development Corporation for the past three years. Connell has held two titles with the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2012, including senior vice president of strategic development and vice president of economic development. Prior to those roles, he served as vice president of Winston-Salem Business Inc., where he successfully attracted technology companies and created thousands of jobs for the North Carolina community.
He became a Certified Economic Developer in 1999 from the Texas A&M University. Prior to Connell’s professional development courses, he received a Bachelor of Arts in economics from University of Texas at Austin in 1985.
Candidates for the position were interviewed by city management and representatives from the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.
