MONTROSE – After an extensive search that fielded 30 applicants, the Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning named Montrose resident Michelle Haynes as the organization’s new executive director on Oct. 26.
Haynes, who is currently serving as director of Region 10’s Area Agency on Aging, will begin her new duties on Dec. 3. She will replace outgoing Executive Director Paul Gray, who announced his retirement in August.
“I am very pleased to have been selected,” said Haynes, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting as well as a master’s in business administration. “Paul has done such a wonderful job of getting Region 10 to this great, fiscally sound position; we will be able to build on that, and explore what other services and benefits the organization can offer our communities.”
Choosing a new director from a highly qualified field of applicants was not easy, said Region 10 Board President Kathy Ellis, who headed the executive search committee. Other search committee members included Bruce Hovde, Bob Drexel, Dick Allison, and Peter Crowell.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs facilitators Ken Charles and Elyse Ackerman provided support during the process as well.
“Paul has assembled a great team – Region 10 has ‘good bones’ to build on,” Ellis said. “This was a difficult decision; we had narrowed the field down to three excellent candidates. Michelle brought a lot of ideas and some great energy to the table during the interview. She works well with the other employees, and will lead a cohesive team that should take us to the next level.”
For Gray, who helped to restore the fiscal health of the 40-year-old nonprofit organization and spearheaded creation of the Region 10 Enterprise Center, the selection of Haynes comes as great news. He plans to work closely with Haynes to ensure a smooth transition. Gray has served the organization since 2006, and his last day will be Dec. 21.
“I am very pleased that Michelle was chosen from a field of 30 applicants,” Gray said. “She is eminently qualified and will do an outstanding job.”
The Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning is a six-county (Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray, Hinsdale and San Miguel) nonprofit organization that, in addition to the Enterprise center, operates the Area Agency on Aging, a small business loan program and the Enterprise Zone, and coordinates regional transportation planning. To learn more about Region 10, call 970/249-2436.
Post a Comment
