AEDC NEWSROOM

 

Robert Winningham Named Allen EDC Executive Director

Allen, Texas - (August 25, 2006) - Robert Winningham, most recently Executive Director for the Greenville Board of Development, is joining the Allen Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) as Executive Director/CEO.

“I’m humbled and honored to have been selected as Executive Director of the AEDC,” said Winningham. “Charisse Bodisch did a superb job in guiding the AEDC Board through the past eight years of extraordinary economic development in Allen and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do what I can to continue the momentum.”

“In addition to his eight year track record in Greenville, Robert’s enthusiasm and understanding of the vision we have for economic development in Allen was the decisive factor in selecting him from a field of qualified candidates,” said Kurt Kizer, Chairman of the AEDC Board of Directors, “He will be a good fit with our existing team at the AEDC, as well as with the Allen City Council and staff.”

“The key to our success in Greenville was working together in a team environment where relationships truly mattered,” continued Winningham. “From what I can see in Allen, they believe in building relationships as well, and this was a major factor in my seeking the AEDC position. I look forward to partnering with the many citizens and community leaders who are devoted to seeing Allen reach its highest potential in economic development and quality of life.”

“Robert brings strong credentials to this position, including a grasp of the regional issues that impact the success of economic development in Allen,” said Allen City Manager Peter Vargas. “In addition, he has a strong understanding of the inner-workings of government, having spent five years on staff with former U.S. Congressman Lee Hamilton of Indiana.”

Winningham is a Board member of the Texas Economic Development Council, the North Central Texas Workforce Development Board, the Northeast Texas Mobility Council and the North Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation.

Winningham joined the Greenville Board of Development as executive director in 1997. From 1992 to 1997 he served as Staff Assistant to Congressman Hamilton (now Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission). A Richardson native, Winningham is a graduate of the University of North Texas as well as the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

Winningham will assume his new duties in early September, taking the reins from Charisse Bodisch who is relocating to Round Rock, Texas to be with her husband and family. Bodisch has been hired by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce as Vice-President of Economic Development.

“We wish Charisse all the best in her new position, but she will be missed,” said Allen Mayor Steve Terrell. “We were fortunate to find an individual like Robert who could match her enthusiasm, stamina and pride in Allen, Texas to keep our economic development efforts into the next level.”