HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2017-09-26 new Economic Development director - embargo
Town of Leesburg
News Release
Embargo Until 10:00 p.m., September 26, 2017
Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Russell Seymour Selected as Leesburg’s Next Economic
Development Director
Seymour, currently with James City County, will begin his new position on
November 6, 2017.
Leesburg, VA (September 26, 2017) – Leesburg Town
Manager Kaj Dentler announced at the Council Meeting
this evening that Russell Seymour has been selected as
the Town’s new Director of Economic Development. Mr.
Seymour will begin with the Town on November 6, 2017.
Mr. Seymour is replacing Marantha Edwards, who will
retire on January 5, 2018, allowing two months of
transition time. Ms. Edwards has worked for the Town for
more than 17 years and has been the Economic
Development Director since September 2012.
“I am pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Seymour as
the Town’s next Economic Development Director,” Town
Manager Dentler said. “His impressive background of
education and experience which includes three other Virginia locations were key factors in the
selection process that included many of the Town’s tourism and economic development
partners. I am especially pleased that he will have sufficient time to work closely with Marantha
as part of the transition period.”
Mr. Seymour is currently the Assistant Director of General Services for James City County. He
was the Economic Development Director for James City County for six years before accepting
his current position. Previous economic development positions include Economic Development
Director for Spotsylvania County and Vice President of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance. Mr.
Seymour began his public service career as a Comprehensive Planner for Stafford County.
Mr. Seymour holds a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of Akron and a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University. In
addition, he has completed the LEAD (Leading, Educating and Developing) program at the
Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
“There are many factors that make Leesburg an exceptional location for business, travel, and
family,” said Russell Seymour. “I look forward to this opportunity and to being a part of the
Leesburg team.”
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