County Executive Names David Phillips Director of Office of Economic and Workforce Development
February 08, 2013
Carrie Springer, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
County Executive
Public and private sector experience valuable asset for county
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today that he has named David Phillips as the Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.
Phillips brings experience working with Community Development Block Grants to the county and has worked for numerous Chambers of Commerce in Dane County. He also has extensive experience in the banking industry.
“David Phillips’ skills are a great match for our efforts to improve the economy by developing partnerships with the private sector for Dane County. His work with the business community through area Chambers of Commerce provides valuable experience that will lead to many new successful partnerships across the county,” said Parisi.
Phillips is a member of the Dane County Community Development Block Grant Commission and has helped promote area events such as the Ironman Race as a Board Member of the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation. He has a strong background in designing economic development plans and was most recently in charge of economic development for the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce. Phillips has also served as the President of Downtown Madison, Inc. and is the former Chair of the City of Madison Economic Development Commission.
Phillips will be in charge of the Dane County’s collaborative efforts to strengthen economic and workforce development in the region. The County Executive chose to focus the County’s work in this area following his participation in developing the recently released ‘Advance Now’ Initiative through regional economic development group THRIVE.
In the weeks and months ahead, Phillips will implement Parisi’s 2013 economic budget initiatives to streamline Dane County’s economic development capacity. Staff will direct workforce development efforts, working closely with the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin.
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development will also be responsible for administering the county’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program – a successful tool that has helped local businesses throughout Dane County start-up, expand, and create jobs.
"This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with a county executive who is dedicated to growing businesses and strengthening the workforce in Dane County. We need to retain and grow our existing businesses and attract new companies here. I am anxious to start working with the communities throughout the county to assist and partner with them on developing and implementing these efforts," said Phillips.
Pending approval by the Dane County Board, Phillips’ starting date will be March 25th, with a starting salary of $80,000.
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