Executive Russell M. Pry Appoints Connie Krauss to the Position of Director of Community and Economic Development

Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry announced today he is appointing Connie L. Krauss as Director of Community and Economic Development to begin work on July 1, 2008. Ms. Krauss will be replacing Patrick J. D’Andrea who is returning to the private sector.

Under Mr. D’Andrea’s direction, the Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development has been extremely successful at bringing additional tax dollars, job opportunities and funding to our community. He assisted Executive Pry in retaining the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, World Headquarters, in Summit County. As a result, the global conglomerate will continue to employ 1,790 Summit County citizens and purchase over $370 million in goods/services from over 400 Summit County vendors each year.

Mr. D’Andrea also created the Summit County Economic Development Task Force, an internal group charged with the responsibility of aggressively pursuing economic development opportunities. To date, the Task Force has been responsible for creating 3,734 new jobs and retaining 3,427 jobs in the community.

“Pat has done a great job in re-organizing my Department of Community and Economic Development,” said Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry. “I am grateful for his commitment to our community and the time he has given to the people of Summit County.”

Connie Krauss has served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce since 2004. She has worked with local, state and federal officials on issues important to
economic development, funding and policy.

Ms. Krauss is also extremely knowledgeable in legislative process and government funding. She has been involved with many Summit County partnerships including the Summit-Medina One Stop Employment Centers, Akron Tomorrow and Akron Community Learning Centers.

Prior to her work at the Akron Chamber, Krauss served as Director of Alumni and Community Relations for Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.

“Economic development and job creation is my top priority,” said Pry. “Connie Krauss brings with her the experience and knowledge needed to continue our successes in creating jobs for our citizens.”

Ms. Krauss holds a Masters degree from the University of Akron and currently serves the citizens of Summit County on the Summit Workforce Solutions Board and Social Services Advisory Board.