A search is underway for a new chief executive officer for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
Jennifer Gregory, who has served in that role since 2013, told The Dispatch she tendered her resignation to Partnership board member Michelle Amos Monday in advance of the board’s regular meeting Tuesday morning.
Board members after Tuesday’s meeting refused to comment on the situation and did not publicly announce an interim CEO. The board released an email statement through GSDP Director of Membership Heath Barret Tuesday afternoon acknowledging Gregory’s departure and saying it is already searching for her replacement.
The Partnership manages numerous community development-focused groups in Starkville, including the Main Street Association, Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority. It also manages the Starkville Community Market.
GSDP draws much of its funding from membership fees. The city of Starkville also contributes $20,000 annually to the GSDP general fund and another $7,500 to the Main Street Association.
In fiscal year 2016, which ended Sept. 30, city 2 percent food and beverage tax revenues raised $614,415 for the CVB and $312,224 for OCEDA.
Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver called the Partnership a catalyst for growth in the area, adding he felt Gregory had “done a pretty good job” during her tenure. He said he was “totally surprised” to hear she resigned.
However, he told The Dispatch Tuesday he felt Barret would be a great candidate for interim CEO if the Partnership board saw fit to appoint him.
“I know his capability as a professional, and I believe he can lead them through this,” Carver said of Barret. “Personally, I think the Partnership has the staff there to keep things running smoothly.”
Gregory joined the Partnership in 2009, serving as vice president of tourism development and Starkville Main Street Association’s manager. She was promoted to CEO four years later after then-Partnership leader Jon Maynard resigned.
Gregory did not specify a reason for her abrupt resignation Tuesday but said she will “always wish the best for the Partnership.”
“I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve the Starkville community over the last seven years,” she said. “It has been an honor and a pleasure, and I’m extremely proud of what my team and I have accomplished.”
Ward 2 Alderman Lisa Wynn told The Dispatch she is confident the GSDP board will develop a plan that will “guide the Partnership in a direction that is beneficial for our city,” though she wouldn’t specifically comment on the CEO position.
“Our city is experiencing great economic opportunities, and it will be imperative that the city of Starkville’s and the Partnership’s visions are complimentary for continued growth,” Wynn said in a text.
Mayor Parker Wiseman would not comment to The Dispatch.
Gregory’s departure is the second such turnover at the Partnership in the past month. Business Manager Shelby Stevenson previously left her position for another job.
Managing Editor Zack Plair and Reporter Carl Smith contributed to this article.
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