A search committee composed of business leaders, elected officials, an appointed official and Frankfort’s Human Resources Director has recommended the Frankfort City Council to confirm Annie Bacon as the city’s first Community Development Director. The process carried out by the committee was thorough and diligent. The combined voices of both the public and private sectors add authenticity and credibility to this important recommendation.
Frankfort’s new Community Development Director will be tasked with building this new city department from the ground up. This position was budgeted for by the Frankfort City Council in the 2019 budget approval process. This position will focus on building quality of place and economic prosperity for Frankfort. The Community Development Director will also work as the lead marketing agent and communications director for the city, focusing on population growth and business expansion.
Upon accepting the position Bacon said, “I am excited about this opportunity to contribute to the development and promotion of our city in the capacity of Community Development Director. Frankfort is my home and I am proud to be a part of a community that promotes innovation and is motivated to grow and provide benefits to our current citizens and to all those who are looking for a good place to live and work.”
Bacon’s background is in insurance and accounting. She is an energetic, strategic-thinking professional with more than twenty years’ experience in customer service, client relations and project organization. She is well versed in assessing needs, generating options and implementing solutions in collaboration with clients and colleagues.
President and CEO of Farmers Bank Karen Gregerson stated, “I was very impressed by Annie in the interview. She is quite articulate, professional and has excellent follow through with a genuine concern for delivering quality service. She will bring high energy and a can-do attitude to the position to make Frankfort an even better place to live, work and play.”
Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shan Sheridan explained, “I have known Annie for several years and had the opportunity to witness her professionalism on many occasions. Her commitment to customer service and her desire to strengthen our community makes her a great fit for this position.”
The search committee will make the official recommendation for hire and request a confirmation vote before the Frankfort City Council tonight (Monday) at 7 p.m. Upon confirmation, the Board of Public Works and Safety will then finalize Bacon’s hire with a start date of February 25.
City Councilman Joe Palmer stated, “As a member of the search committee I fully stand behind the recommendation to hire Annie Bacon as Frankfort’s first Community Development Director. Annie will do an excellent job of intertwining our City Council into her decision-making processes. I am excited to partner with Annie in elevating Frankfort’s quality of place.”
A resident of Frankfort for more than 20 years, Bacon has been involved with the Friends of the Frankfort Library, has served on the Friends of the Frankfort Library Board, the Community Schools of Frankfort School Board, and the Frankfort Community Public Library Board of Trustees.