On a unanimous vote, the Haines Borough Assembly Tuesday approved the hire of Bill Mandeville, the town’s new community and economic development director.
He will start Feb. 1 with an annual salary of $64,000.
Mandeville this week toured borough facilities, spoke with staff members, and gave the assembly a rundown of his qualifications and background.
Mandeville has worked for Washington’s Department of Commerce since 2006. He has more than 20 years of experience in state and local government dealing with growth management, neighborhood stabilization, project financing, grant writing and port development projects.
He is also a certified planner and certified community finance professional. “What does that kind of pedigree mean? It means, basically, that I know how to write some really good plans and I also know how to put together the financial packages to implement them,” Mandeville told the assembly.
Mandeville worked as interim city administrator in Nenana from 1992-1993. He also worked as Delta Junction’s city administrator from 1984-1988.
Before visiting Haines this week, Mandeville signed an employment agreement with the borough contingent on two things: that the assembly approve his hire and that he determine he liked the town during his visit.
“The conclusion that I have reached is I think I would fit here very well,” Mandeville said Tuesday.
In researching the borough, Mandeville said he found the borough had a lot of plans, but not a lot of technical expertise to implement them. Mandeville said he uses his five-part “economic development toolkit” to promote economic growth in communities.
Still, he isn’t a miracle worker.
“I want to try to explain to you what I can do, and likewise what I can’t do,” Mandeville told the assembly. “Oftentimes when people are engaged in economic development, they are perceived as someone who is going to bring businesses into town. Local governments don’t create businesses nor do we build industrial plants. What we do – and I speak from experience – is we lay the groundwork so that your local entrepreneurs, your local businessmen, can grow their businesses.”
A hiring committee composed of Sosa, clerk Julie Cozzi, school superintendent Ginger Jewell and assembly member Diana Lapham chose Mandeville as a finalist for the position. Mayor Jan Hill and Sosa subsequently selected Mandeville as the man for the job.
“Mr. Mandeville’s references describe him as a ‘go-getter, active, and hard working.’ He was also described as a person who adapts well, has great initiative and the ability to operate independently, and who has a sound moral compass,” Sosa said.
Mandeville’s contract includes a minimum annual 1.5 percent raise, with a maximum 4 percent raise depending on performance. He will also receive $2,500 in moving expenses.