A Kansas City-area man has been hired as the new director of economic development for the City of Houston.
Robert Harrington will assume the post Oct. 1 following recent interviews with three finalists for the position. He fills a vacancy created when Brad Evans resigned in June as economic developer to return to the police department.
“Being from a small town myself, there is something to be said about a smaller community’s work ethic and making sure the job is done right the first time,” Harrington said. “I have had most of my success in smaller communities for that very reason.”
Harrington is the commercial and industrial asset manager for Ward Development and Investment Co. of Kansas City. Harrington since November has overseen industrial and commercial properties for the firm. A native of Marceline, he graduated there in 1999.
From March 2016-November 2017, Harrington was executive director of the Grain Valley Economic Development Corporation, focusing on business retention and expansion of existing business and attraction of new business at Grain Valley. He previously held positions as executive director of Mathis Economic Development Corporation in Texas (July 2013 – December 2013), economic development director of Greater Burlington, Iowa, Partnership (July 2012 – February 2013), executive director of Barton County Community Development Corp. (February 2010 – July 2012) and economic development director for Shelby County Economic Development (January 2008 – January 2010).
Harrington is Houston’s third economic developer. Ron Reed held the position from 1999 until he resigned at the beginning of 2017. Evans filled the role for three months beginning in March 2018.
Harrington said he was attracted to Houston due to “very viable properties located in the Industrial Park” as well as some successful businesses already in the community.
“You have the makings of a great opportunity for growth,” he said. “I am excited about the future for the City of Houston. I cannot wait to get started.”
Harrington and his wife have four children and were house hunting this past weekend in Houston.