The Haines Economic Development Corporation board last week hired Sally Andersen as its executive director.
Andersen had been filling in as interim director since December when former director David Simmons was killed in the Dec. 2 Beach Road landslide. Andersen will work part-time as HEDC begins putting to use a $260,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to help businesses enhance digital marketing and promote the area as a place for location-neutral workers.
“She’s been so dynamic the past three or four months assisting in HEDC’s recovery after David’s passing that it’s been fantastic to be working with her,” HEDC president Greg Schlacter said. “We have quite a bit going on right now. It’s nice to keep some continuity.”
Andersen said she decided to apply for the permanent decision because the role has helped her connect to the community.
“It’s given me the opportunity to interact with the assembly, borough staff, fishermen, and business owners. It is a privilege to have a job that allows me to think about how to make our community a better place to live,” Andersen said. “I am excited to work with local businesses through the EDA grant we’ve received to assist with online marketing, on the Portage Cove trail and to start to think about how to make more affordable housing available in Haines.
Schlacter said Andersen was chosen from a pool of seven applicants.
HEDC recently requested $10,000 in CARES Act funding and $15,000 in borough funding, which would fund Andersen’s position.