Faulkenberry tapped as new Executive Director of EDOC

“He knows us, and he can help us get where we’re going.”

According to EDOC Board President Langdon Potts, those were deciding factors in selecting development consultant Scott Faulkenberry as the new Executive Director of Jefferson County’s Economic Development Oversight Committee.

Faulkenberry led the capital campaign that successfully raised funds for economic development through a public/private partnership formed as part of the “Building a Better Future” long-range strategic planning initiative.

Potts says Faulkenberry’s decades of experience in the field, extensive network of connections, and strong orientation toward community-mindedness makes him a great fit for the position: “Through the on-the-ground work he’s done in our area, Scott has become very familiar with both the challenges and opportunities presented by our location and the local business environment. We’re extremely fortunate to have found someone of his caliber to helm our economic development efforts and look forward to the progress we’re certain will be made as a result of his leadership.”

In keeping with the joint strategy between the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and EDOC to separate community development work (exclusively a Chamber function now) and economic development efforts (spearheaded by EDOC), the time was right to name an Executive Director who could provide full-time leadership.

Faulkenberry will report to the EDOC Board. In addition to his economic development responsibilities, which include recruiting new industry, supporting existing businesses, workforce development, etc., he will provide oversight of Jefferson County’s burgeoning tourism program, ably led by Adele Sensing. One of his initial areas of emphasis, according to Potts, will be retail development: “Scott has a unique appreciation for the difference a robust retail environment can make in a community’s long-term economic health and viability. We are already anticipating the great strides he will help us make in this vitally important area.”

At the same time, he’ll be working to broaden and deepen the connections he made during his work here in past years—with TVA’s Economic Development group, state and regional industrial development agencies, and with Jefferson County’s Industrial Development Board, the so-called “third leg” of the “stool,” tasked with securing property suitable for development.

When asked to share his thoughts on accepting the position, Faulkenberry offers an interesting perspective: “I grew up in a rural area of South Carolina that is similar in many ways to Jefferson County—in size, demographics, traditional values, and good, hard-working people who are ready to open their hearts to a newcomer, help their neighbors in need, and consistently strive for a better future for their children and grandchildren. In a real sense, making this move feels like coming home.”

He says he’s also looking forward to seeing his local fundraising efforts come full circle: “I was here in this community years ago, helping raise dollars to fund a vision articulated by the citizens of Jefferson County. In that type of consulting role, I typically work under contract; after one capital campaign ends, I’m making the transition to kick off another one in a different location. For the very first time, I am going to have the rare privilege of working to implement the vision supported by the funds I helped to raise. I have great support from the EDOC Board and I could not be more excited about the special things we’re going to be able to do together on behalf of the people of Jefferson County.”

“Every goal undertaken by the EDOC Board is designed to improve the quality of life of our citizens,” says Potts. “Without question, hiring Scott will help us take our economic development and tourism efforts to the next level. He is smart, approachable, and we are confident that his leadership is going to result in significant progress in marketing Jefferson County to those in a position to invest in our future with good-paying jobs that will secure a bright future for Jefferson County.”

Faulkenberry’s first day on the job was August 8. He is in the process of moving his family here from their home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.