Bedford’s new housing and economic development director has more than 30 years’ experience in local and state initiatives, marketing, and partnerships, on both coasts.
Jeffrey M. King recently began his new responsibilities.
The Bedford job description includes a smorgasbord of economic development elements: planning and overseeing activities, attracting and retaining businesses, coordinating marketing activities; and “liaising on behalf of the town, as well as oversight of the town’s affordable housing efforts.” King will be the lead staff member working on cultural district initiatives.
King succeeds Alyssa Sandoval, the town’s first economic director, who resigned in October to take a planning position in the private sector. The housing portfolio was added several months before her departure.
“I have been impressed with the economic development foundation, location of advanced companies, and affordable housing efforts in Bedford,” King commented late last week. “The town has a number of wonderful cultural, historical, open space, and outdoor recreational assets.”
“I look forward to working with a strong team and bringing my experience to enhance economic and affordable housing opportunities in the town.”
King grew up in Haverhill and received his undergraduate degree at the University of New Hampshire. He began his career in 1987 as community development director in Beverly, and next held two positions in state government, including Lowell regional director for the Office of Business Development.
He moved to Oregon in 1996, first as executive director of a regional economic development director and next as community development project manager in Milwaukee, OR.
Since July 2005 he has been economic development manager in Forest Grove, a city 25 miles east of Portland with a population of about 25,000. According to his resume, King “developed, implemented, and managed city comprehensive development programs,” ranging from business recruitment and retention and grant-writing to small-business assistance and tourism.
A candidate for a master’s degree in public administration, King holds certification in business management and comprehensive human resources.
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
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