New Mexico – Lara Price has been appointed economic development director for the village of Ruidoso. Price brings public-sector leadership, communications and community engagement experience. As economic development director, she will lead business recruitment and retention efforts, strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders, support strategic economic growth and help guide initiatives that promote a resilient local economy.
California – Gillian Haen has been selected as the next city manager for the city of Chico. Haen has served as assistant city manager for the city of Vallejo since 2022, bringing extensive experience in municipal administration, planning and economic development. As city manager, she will oversee all city operations, implement City Council priorities, direct financial and organizational management, and lead delivery of municipal services across Chico.
Georgia – Tyson Begly has been appointed city manager for the Columbus Consolidated Government. Begly most recently served as chief financial officer of Highline and previously was chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Delta Data. He also served on the Columbus City Council and has held leadership roles with the Development Authority of Columbus, the Public Safety Advisory Commission and the Charter Review Committee.
Alabama – Kindell C. Anderson has been appointed county administrator for Madison County, effective Aug. 10. Anderson currently serves as county administrator for Montgomery County. He previously served as Montgomery County deputy administrator and as senior transportation planner and co-division head for the Montgomery Metropolitan Planning Organization. As county administrator, Anderson will oversee Madison County’s day-to-day operations while working with county leaders on public safety, transportation, infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives.
Virginia – Michele Mixner DeWitt has been appointed city manager for the city of Williamsburg, becoming the first woman to serve in the role. DeWitt has worked for the city since 2005, serving as its first economic development director before being promoted to assistant city manager, deputy city manager and, most recently, interim city manager. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia School of Architecture.
Michigan – Zach Holt has been appointed public works director for the city of Niles. Holt previously served as public works superintendent and has held multiple leadership roles within the department, bringing extensive experience in municipal infrastructure and public works operations. As public works director, he will oversee the city’s engineering, streets, parks and recreation, airport, cemetery and other public works divisions, managing infrastructure maintenance, capital projects and essential municipal services.
Idaho – Chris Canfield has been appointed public works director for the City of Idaho Falls. A licensed professional engineer, Canfield previously worked for an engineering firm and the Idaho Transportation Department, leading transportation and infrastructure projects. As public works director, he will oversee the department’s operations, strategic planning and long-term infrastructure priorities, including the city’s streets, water systems, sanitation services and other essential public works functions.
Texas – Mary Frances Bradford has been appointed executive director of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO). Bradford joined NEDCO in 2013 and was promoted to director of business development in 2015, bringing more than a decade of economic development experience with the organization. As executive director, she will lead business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts while advancing economic development initiatives and partnerships that support growth across Nacogdoches.
