City News Blog: Jason Willey Named Assistant Director of Economic Development
LAKELAND, FL (June 13, 2022) | The City of Lakeland is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Willey to Assistant Director of Economic Development. The position will report directly to Brian Rewis, Director of Community & Economic Development and Willey will continue to work with the City Manager on special projects as assigned.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “ I have complete confidence that Jason will enhance the City’s efforts toward more proactive economic development. This promotion includes the added benefit of having Jason continue managing special projects directly for the City Manager’s Office. This will combine these efforts into a more efficient and effective process that will better serve our citizens and customers.”
Willey most recently served as the Manager of Strategic Projects for the City of Lakeland. At this position, he was responsible for all the City’s internal business development activities and the management of economic development projects, working closely with developers, engineers, architects, and real estate brokers. Willey will be doing very similar work as Assistant Director of Economic Development, helping guide development through the various City of Lakeland permitting, utility and building processes. In his new role, Willey will oversee Real Estate and Property Information, Building Inspection, Business Development, and the Community Redevelopment Agency Divisions of the Community & Economic Development Department.
Brian Rewis, Director of Community & Economic Development said, “Jason has spent his career building relationships and supporting quality economic development and investment in the Lakeland community. I am excited to welcome him as Assistant Director of Economic Development, and look forward to even greater economic prosperity with his leadership and support.”
“Lakeland is well positioned for continued economic growth and I’m extremely thankful to join the Community and Economic Development Department as Assistant Director of Economic Development,” said Willey. “I look forward to new challenges while working closely with staff, our economic development partners and business community toward a common goal to create a world-class community.”
Willey began with the City of Lakeland February 2000. He served multiple roles in Community Development including Economic Development Coordinator and Business Development Manager before being promoted to Manager of Strategic Projects in the City Manager’s Office in October 2019.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Florida State University and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Willey is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XXX and Leadership Polk Class IX. He is on the Board of Directors for Lakeland Vision and is a member of the School Board for St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Lakeland. He will receive an annual salary of $130,000 as the Assistant Director of Economic Development. The position and salary go into effect on June 13, 2022.
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Contact
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
Kevin.Cook@LakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population of over 100,000, Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third-largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State over 110 years ago.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
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