Economic development organization seeks director
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Gypsy Ray
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RONAN – Lake County Community Development Corporation is accepting a second round of applications for their top leadership position.
Gypsy Ray, current executive director, is leaving the organization after four years at the job.
LCCDC is a local economic development organization in Ronan that supports businesses in Lake, Sanders and Mineral counties. The organization’s mission is “To enhance the quality of life and sustainable economic well-being of all residents of the communities we serve.”
LCCDC vetted one round of applications in October and November, but Ray said the process did not yield the right candidate for the position. The second round of applications will be accepted until Dec. 31. Ray said she hopes to complete the hiring process in January.
Ray is relocating to her family’s land in Anaconda. She will work with LCCDC through the hiring process and the transition to a new director. Ray is a licensed clinical social worker and has started a private therapy and coaching practice in Anaconda.
The executive director assumes myriad leadership responsibilities in the organization. These include supervising staff, overseeing finances and collaborating with local leaders on economic development initiatives.
“We’re looking for a strong leader who has experience running nonprofits and some experience in economic development,” Ray said. A personal investment in the region that the organization serves is another requirement. The executive director must live in Lake County after being hired.
Ray said the organization would consider local candidates and those interested in relocating for the position. She said the most important qualification is a good “fit” with the organization and its mission.
LCCDC has grown significantly in recent years. Ray said the new executive director would have to further that growth. The revolving loan fund is one aspect of the organization that is growing. The loan fund provides low-interest loans to business owners in Lake County. The fund has been growing in recent years.
Ray said the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, the arm of the corporation that provides food processing and promotes local food, has been seeing “extreme growth.”
The center will be hiring more staff and starting a food safety apprentice program in the near future. The new director will also have a hand in determining the future of the organization because veteran staff will likely retire in the next few years. The new executive director will be in charge of hiring replacements for those positions.
Ray said she looks forward to passing the leadership role on to a good candidate. “This is an opportunity for someone to be part to of an exciting and growing organization in the best place to live and work,” she said.
