The Temple Economic Development Corp. on Tuesday announced it is selecting a new president and chief executive officer to replace outgoing President David Blackburn.
Adrian Cannady, the marketing vice president of the Victoria Economic Development Corp., is set to replace Blackburn, the Republican nominee for Bell County judge. Cannady will start working on Sept. 15.
“I am humbled to be chosen as the president/CEO of the Temple Economic Development Corp. Temple has positioned itself well for continued growth and development,” Cannady said in a news release. “The alignment of strategic vision between the TEDC board of directors, city of Temple and Bell County leadership has created unique opportunities for both existing and future residents and businesses.”
David Nix, the chairman of the Temple EDC board, said Cannady was the best candidate of the hundreds of applicants that applied for the position. Nix pointed to Cannady’s economic development background and his leadership ability as two factors that made Cannady stick out during the nine-month national search.
“(Cannady’s) work with Team Texas and other economic development organizations has enabled him to have relationships in the economic development world — not only in the United States, but internationally as well,” Nix said. “We truly believe that Adrian will be a great asset in bringing and keeping business investment in Temple.”
Cannady, Nix said, will continue Temple’s growth trend. So far, the Temple EDC has brought 1,074 jobs and more than $164 million in new investment to Temple this year.
As president, Cannady will help attract new businesses to Temple and maintain already established relationships with current businesses and community leaders.
“This person represents our community everywhere he goes on our behalf. We believe Adrian Cannady will represent us very well,” Nix said.
On top of working for the Victoria EDC, Cannady is the chairman of the board of Team Texas, a statewide economic development group that represents 100 communities in the Lone Star State; a member of the Texas Economic Development Council; and the International Economic Development
Cannady attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., where he played varsity football. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in economic development and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston-Victoria.
“I am excited to join the team of professionals in Temple that are making a positive impact on the community,” Cannady said.