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City names Koehler CIEDA director [Claremore Daily Progress, Okla. :: ](Claremore Daily Progress (OK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 11--CLAREMORE -- Jeri Koehler has been named executive director of industrial and economic development for the city of Claremore. Koehler joins the city, having previously served as the director of the Innovation Center at Rogers State University. During her almost 10 years with the university, she worked to foster economic development in Oklahoma through business support and technical assistance programs. The executive director of industrial and economic development will serve under the general supervision and direction of the city manager with monthly consultation from the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA). "The relationship between CIEDA and the city will be strengthened by this partnership in economic development," said Claremore City Manager Jim Thomas. Koehler was selected following a nationwide search for the position. "I have worked with Ms. Koehler on multiple economic development projects over the last seventeen months," said Thomas. "She facilitated the city's strategic plan in January 2013 and most recently was instrumental in the development of CIEDA's strategic plan with city council. She's demonstrated a keen awareness of projects that both the city and CIEDA have made priorities." She joined the Innovation Center in 2005 as the business development specialist and was appointed director in 2012. She received a bachelor's degree in business administration from RSU and a Master of Business Administration degree from Cameron University. "Ms. Koehler understands the strengths and opportunities in our community, along with the challenges. She will be a terrific asset to lead economic development efforts through the city and CIEDA," said Phil Albert, Chairman of the CIEDA board and president of Pelco Structural, LLC. A former small business owner and operator, Koehler has extensive experience in business development, marketing, management and finance. Her core strengths have been in the development of entrepreneurial support programs and business retention and expansion efforts through the university's economic development outreach. Koehler serves on the boards of directors for the Northeast Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board, Northeast Oklahoma Regional Alliance, Claremore Chamber of Commerce, and Hope Harbor Children's Home. She is past board president of Claremore Main Street, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the RSU Alumni Association. She teaches business courses for the School of Business and Technology at Rogers State University. Koehler was recently named to the Tulsa Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes business and community leaders who have made a positive impact on their business or community. She received the Claremore Business Citizen of the Year for 2012, an award that recognizes local business leaders who have demonstrated volunteer service in the community, accomplishments in improving the city, character and civic leadership. Jeri lives in Claremore with her husband and two children. "It is my belief that just as we grow our local businesses such as Baker Hughes, AXH and Pelco Structural, to promote a local candidate is in our best interests," said Thomas. "I'm excited to utilize my skills and experience to assist the city in reaching its economic development goals and contribute to the growth of the economy," said Koehler. "I see Claremore as being on the verge of a major growth opportunity. My familiarity with the existing culture and political climate ensure I can hit the ground running in this new role. I look forward to contributing to build on the city's and CIEDA's efforts." Koehler begins on June 9. ___ (c)2014 the Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Okla.) Visit the Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Okla.) at claremoreprogress.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |