Alicia Stephens, executive director of the Liberty Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), has accepted the position as executive director of the Platte County Economic Development Council (PCEDC), effective July 1.
LEDC has formed a search committee and has already begun looking for a new executive director. “Alicia has laid a wonderful foundation for this organization, built a great group of investors, engaged board members and cemented many important partnerships for Liberty EDC,” said Mary Alice Dobberstine, LEDC Chairperson. “There are a lot of positive things going on in Liberty. Although we will miss having Alicia here to see them come to fruition, we will continue on and sincerely wish her the best.”
Stephens has served LEDC since its inception in 2005, bringing extensive economic development experience to the community. Through successful partnerships, during Stephens’ tenure, LEDC retained 525 jobs, expanded 165 jobs and recruited 13 projects to the Liberty area creating 635 jobs and more than $155 million in investment.
Prior to joining the Liberty group, Stephens was program director for PCEDC for 12 years. “Accepting the Platte County EDC position was the next logical step in my career,” added Stephens. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished in Liberty, but I am excited about the opportunity to move to a larger organization with a county focus, while staying in the Northland.”
Dennis Fisher, PCEDC chairman remarked, “We’re excited to have Alicia join the Platte County EDC team. Her economic development experience will be valuable to our organization. She understands both the urban and rural aspects of Platte County and the importance of aviation and new development to our region.”
Longtime economic development colleague and LEDC board member, John Engelmann, added, “Alicia has honed her craft, demonstrating the importance of economic development to the Liberty community and all of LEDC’s partners. There is no doubt she’ll extend those skills to show the value of a countywide organization to stakeholders in Platte County.”