Nolanville- September 7, 2022 — The City of Nolanville and The Nolanville Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) are pleased to announce the hiring of Brian O’Connor as the Director of the NEDC and the appointment of Jennifer Shidler as the new Keep Nolanville Beautiful (KNB) Coordinator.
“The City is very excited about adding Brian to the team and expanding Jennifer’s involvement with the City,” said Nolanville City Manager Kara Escajeda. “Each has a unique set of skills and experience that will help advance our economic development goals and bring creativity to our community outreach initiatives. These are all goals outlined by the City of Nolanville’s mission and vision statements, and the City is confident their contributions will position our community to better execute on those goals.”
Nolanville Economic Development Director: Brian O’Connor – Background
Brian O’Connor, who most recently served as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, brings to Nolanville more than 26 years of economic and community development experience.
The Director of Economic Development will be responsible for creating and implementing strategies for economic development in Nolanville, including business attraction, business expansion, and business retention.
While working with the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, O’Connor had no shortage of significant accomplishments. He had a primary hand in developing a research park at A&M Central Texas with Fort Hood and Army Futures Command. and he helped the City of Killeen extend broadband networks throughout their school district.
Like Nolanville, O’Connor has a mind for technology and innovation. He developed a branding campaign for Killeen as a Smart City to recruit technology clusters. He created a downtown innovation district plan to cultivate technology and small business entrepreneurship.
O’Connor holds a BA in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Urban Design and City Planning, both from Cleveland State University in Ohio. O’Connor also holds an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certificate from the National Development Council.
“We are very excited to welcome Brian to the NEDC and have this important role with the Nolanville Community filled,” said NEDC Board President Bryan Buck. “His experience and connections will help facilitate new projects and relationships that will lead this community into the next stages of economic development, growth, and innovation for The City of Nolanville.”
O’Connor replaces Kerry Fillip, who retired from the NEDC in June. He will begin his role on Tuesday, September 13th.
Keep Nolanville Beautiful Coordinator: Jennifer Shidler– Background
Jennifer Shidler currently works for the City of Nolanville as the Community Outreach & Public Affairs Coordinator and will add Keep Nolanville Beautiful to her area of expertise.
Keep Nolanville Beautiful’s mission is to promote litter eradication, recycling, and beautification efforts in Nolanville using education, events, and volunteer engagement.
Shidler began her career with the City in September 2021 and, since then, has been instrumental in her efforts in both community and creative outreach. Under the guidance of the previous Keep Nolanville Beautiful Coordinator, Shidler helped to plan events and build relationships with volunteers that further the cause to make Nolanville A Great Place To Live.
“I am excited to be taking on an official role with Keep Nolanville Beautiful as the program coordinator,” said Shidler. “I have a passion for community development and engagement, and I look forward to sharing that passion with our residents and surrounding communities. I want to keep building on the amazing work that KNB has already achieved.”
Shidler holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, and Marketing from Indiana State University and is a 10-year resident of Nolanville.
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For More Information:
City of Nolanville, 254-698-6335, cityhall@nolanvilletx.gov