Heidi Hill ? former CEO of the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce ? became Cowley First’s new director and the county’s top economic development official Monday, according to a written statement.
Hill left the chamber nearly seven years ago and for much of that time worked for PAE, a Lockheed Martin Company. She replaces Debra Teufel who led the economic development organization ? a partnership that is jointly funded by Ark City, Winfield, the county and other partners ? until this spring.
"We’ve worked very closely with Heidi in the past," said Bruce Schwyhart, who serves on the organization’s coordinating council and search committee. "She knows the county and knows the organizations and businesses that will need to work together for Cowley County to accomplish the vision that Cowley First has established."
The organization received 16 applications for the position. The search committee was impressed with the strong pool of applicants.
Hill was selected from five finalists who were brought in for interviews.
Hill graduated from Stanford University and earned a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Southwestern College in Winfield. Most recently she served as PAE’s director of leadership and organizational system.
"She’s knowledgeable of and committed to Cowley County," said Winfield City Manager Warren Porter, another member of the search committee. "She’s experienced in working with many large and small organizations internationally as well as in Kansas and Cowley County."
Kerri Falletti, administrative assistant with Cowley First since the transition from CCEDA in 2004, has been promoted to economic and community developer I.
