COMMERCE CITY — City Manager Brian McBroom last week announced the selection of Walter Williams as the new economic development manager for the city.
Williams, who will report to Deputy City Manager James Hayes, has 18 years of experience in economic development, real estate finance and redevelopment.
“Walter’s proven track record of generating investments and job creation in the communities he serves set him apart from other qualified candidates,” Hayes said in a news release. “His energy, innovation and experience will be a great asset to the city’s leadership team and help advance city council’s economic development goals.”
Most recently, Williams was director of economic development for the city of Farmington, Mo., where he helped attract $6.7 million in new investments and create 730 new jobs. Before that, Williams worked for the Greater Cleveland Partnership, where he helped create more than 3,500 jobs and $627 million in new investments.
“Commerce City is well-positioned in the metro area to grow and expand its diverse business base,” Williams said in a news release. “I am excited about the opportunity to meet local businesses, learn their operations, and leverage my skills to help them expand and succeed within our community.”
Williams earned a bachelor’s degree from Denison University and an MBA from John Carroll University. He also has completed coursework for the International Economic Development Council’s CEcD certification. Williams and his wife have two adult children.