ShawneeDispatch.com

Andrew Nave

As Shawnee’s new Economic Development Council executive director, Andrew Nave is charged with promoting the city’s economic welfare and growth.

Nave, who begins the job Monday, most recently worked as business recruitment and retention manager for the Overland Park Economic Development Council. Previously, he was assistant director for the Shawnee Economic Development Council.

“Andrew comes to us with expertise, enthusiasm and fresh ideas,” Linda Leeper, Shawnee Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said in a news release. “He has a winning personality, is hardworking, approachable and a team player. These characteristics will certainly be beneficial to the Shawnee Economic Development Council, its membership, the city of Shawnee and the business community as a whole.”

Leeper said that Nave was one of the youngest in the country to obtain a Certified Economic Development certificate, which he received in 2007.

Nave lives in Overland Park.

He is active in professional organizations including the Johnson County Citizen’s Visioning Committee, the Johnson County Partnership, the Kansas Economic Development Association and the International Economic Development Council.

“I am honored to be a part of the continued growth and success of one of the premier communities in our region and state,” Nave said in the chamber’s announcement. “Partnering with the SEDC members, city staff, elected officials and chamber leadership, we will find creative and innovative approaches to expand Shawnee’s economy and commercial development landscape.”

Nave’s job entails developing and executing programs for marketing, business attraction and business retention. He also will oversee proposal development, budget formulation, policy development and membership recruitment.

The executive director position has been vacant since late September, when Jim Martin resigned.

Martin had worked with the organization nearly 10 years. Chamber and city officials would not disclose details of his departure.

The Shawnee Economic Development Council is a partnership effort between the city of Shawnee, the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and the Shawnee business community.

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