The Emporia Regional Development Association Hires Jorgenson Pace to Assist With CEO Search

The Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) is using the executive search firm Jorgenson Pace to hire its next President and CEO. The firm is currently reviewing a large pool of candidates and will narrow the options to a few top contenders. The RDA hopes to name its new CEO by August so they can start in September.

“When you start with a quality search firm that is respected by economic development professionals, you are going to have a qualified candidate pool,” says Lyle Butler, Interim President of the RDA. “Jorgenson Pace is a reputable company that has done searches for executives across countless economic development organizations.”  

The RDA is looking for someone with previous experience in economic development to step into the role. Learn more about the search process, the qualifications of the ideal candidate, and the timeline for the new CEO to start work. 

The RDA is Seeking Candidates With 10 Years of Experience

The RDA board has decided to hire an experienced economic development professional with a proven track record of success. It did not want to hire an entry-level candidate or someone who had not worked in economic development in a leadership capacity. These requirements were communicated to Jorgenson Pace, who will identify quality candidates from the job pool.

After the RDA board developed a job description for the role, the search firm interviewed key stakeholders across Emporia to determine what they will need from the future economic development CEO. This makes them better prepared to answer questions from candidates while also vetting applicants. Jorgenson Pace interviewed city officials, business leaders, and other community members working to make Emporia a better place.  

Once Jorgenson Pace had a job description and an understanding of the role, it shared the open position across LinkedIn and other online communities. Its recruiters also reached out directly to potential candidates. As the firm receives applications for the CEO position, its recruiters start the due diligence process to confirm the candidates are actually qualified. They need to know that applicants are not fabricating their resumes and exaggerating their roles in various projects.

“I’ve asked the search firm, and they say they're getting good quality applicants,” says Butler. “This means there’s interest in working in Emporia and the right people are responding to the job listing.”  

The Interview Finalists Will Visit Lyon County

After the initial screening process, Jorgenson Pace will submit 8-12 qualified candidates to the RDA Presidential Search Committee. These candidates will have virtual interviews over Zoom to meet the board and discuss the role. The top two or three finalists will then be invited to Emporia to explore the city, become familiar with the region, and interact with the board and RDA staff.

While Jorgenson Pace is taking a national approach to looking for the next RDA president, the board isn’t opposed to hiring local, qualified talent.

“There are always discussions about the pros and cons of bringing somebody from the outside in or hiring somebody from East Central Kansas,” says Butler. “The most important qualification the board wants is economic development experience and a track record to go with it.”

Butler explains that some candidates may have worked for economic development teams in the region and want to advance their careers. Others may have economic development experience and want to return home to Emporia. These local candidates are just as qualified as applicants from other states. However, applicants without ties to Kansas may have a more objective view of Emporia. They won’t approach the city with personal biases about the companies and people here.  

The Interview Finalists Will Visit Lyon County

After the initial screening process, Jorgenson Pace will submit 8-12 qualified candidates to the RDA Presidential Search Committee. These candidates will have virtual interviews over Zoom to meet the board and discuss the role. The top two or three finalists will then be invited to Emporia to explore the city, become familiar with the region, and interact with the board and RDA staff.

While Jorgenson Pace is taking a national approach to looking for the next RDA president, the board isn’t opposed to hiring local, qualified talent.

“There are always discussions about the pros and cons of bringing somebody from the outside in or hiring somebody from East Central Kansas,” says Butler. “The most important qualification the board wants is economic development experience and a track record to go with it.”

Butler explains that some candidates may have worked for economic development teams in the region and want to advance their careers. Others may have economic development experience and want to return home to Emporia. These local candidates are just as qualified as applicants from other states. However, applicants without ties to Kansas may have a more objective view of Emporia. They won’t approach the city with personal biases about the companies and people here.  

The RDA Will Showcase Emporia in its Best Light

Finding a new CEO has been a longer process than expected because the RDA wanted to restructure its board and ensure the organization was running smoothly before bringing someone in.

“A candidate should research the community before submitting an application,” says Butler. “If they think there is turmoil within the RDA, a good candidate won’t even apply.”

This restructuring allows the RDA to present itself as a great place to work while also showcasing everything Lyon County has to offer.

Butler is also excited about Emporia and is confident that it will be attractive to potential candidates.

“If I weren’t retired, I would probably put my application in,” he says. “Emporia has lots of assets that communities across America would love to have.”

Lyon County has both Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College to support workforce development. It is easily accessible to multiple major interstates and one major highway. Not only does Emporia have rail access, but it is also almost perfectly positioned in the center of the country. To top this all off, most of the available land is shovel-ready and ideal for future development.

The well-run RDA, paired with Emporia's assets, will attract applicants to the CEO role. Jorgenson and Pace's experience will bring the best candidates to the top of the pile. 

Follow the RDA for Updates on the CEO Search

The RDA hopes to choose a new President and CEO by August and bring them to Emporia by September. The new CEO will spend the next six months learning about the RDA and meeting with local stakeholders and groups around Lyon County. They will then be able to lead Emporia into the future.  

Keep up with news and updates from the Emporia RDA to learn more about the hiring process. There will also be chances to meet with the new CEO and learn about their background as they enter their new role.