Andalusia Alabama- Reprinted with permission from the Andalusia Star News by Michele Gerlach- Covington County Economic Development Commission president and CEO Tucson Roberts confirmed Friday that he will leave the post at the end of this month. Roberts, who has held the job for the past 10 years, is resigning to become assistant to the president and dean for aviation and workforce at Enterprise State Community College's Alabama Aviation Center, which has instructional sites in Ozark, Ft. Rucker, Mobile, Albertville and Andalusia.
Roberts said his new mission is to promote and develop the Aviation Centers, serve existing industries, assist economic developers to recruit aviation industries and ensure that they have an adequately-trained workforce.
"For those of you involved in recruiting or supporting aviation in your communities, we are now partners," he said. Roberts said that Covington County is a very special place and the decision to leave was difficult.
"However, the position at the Aviation Center is a very special opportunity," he said. "The ESCC Alabama Aviation Center is the statewide, FAA certified, aviation training facility with campuses in Andalusia, Albertville, Decatur, Ozark and Mobile. Its graduates enter high-wage, high-demand jobs."
Ed Short, who chairs CCEDC's board of directors, said he is sorry to see Roberts leave, but wishes him well.
"Tucson has pledged to help follow through with projects we've got going at the airport right now," Short said. "And I think in this new job we will still be able to help us."
In his 10 years at CCEDC, Roberts has put a major focus on recruiting aviation industries to the South Alabama Regional Airport campus.
He and other government and economic development officials have confirmed that a new company has signed a lease for the large twin hangars located at the airport. A formal announcement of that industry is expected in mid-May.
Short said he expects the CCEDC board will formally post the job opening through the state economic development association.
Roberts is only the fourth person to lead the economic development efforts for the organization. Reprinted with permission from the Andalusia Star News by Michele Gerlach.