Sebring Hiring New CRA Director
The Community Redevelopment Agency took its first steps Monday, starting the process to replace its outgoing Executive Director Pete Pollard who announced at its last meeting he will retire on Feb. 29, after 30 years of service.
The board looked at a revised job description for the executive director position, presented by Pollard.
“The requirement for education and experience is the most important element of the job description at this time,” Pollard wrote.
Under minimum qualifications he recommended a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, urban planning or a closely related field; acknowledging that a master’s degree would certainly be a plus.
He also suggested a minimum of five years experience in a progressively responsible redevelopment or closely related field, and solid experience in economic development or a real estate development field.
The candidate should also have experience with grants-in-aid from state, federal and private foundations for activities related to the redevelopment effort and an understanding in finance and investment analysis.
He or she should also have experience in either real estate sales, development, downtown redevelopment or marketing, with outstanding communication, organization and people skills; computer literate and use of Internet.
Commissioner Lorrie Smith said she didn’t want to see marketing the Community Redevelopment Area take “a back seat, as it has in the past,” she said.
The candidate must also be familiar with extensive knowledge of how community redevelopment agencies function, demonstrated experience with tax increment financing, a thorough knowledge of city planning and ability to present technical information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
The board decided that the position should be paid commensurate with experience.
Pollard is making about $69,628 plus benefits annually, however he has not had a salary increase in several years due to city council not giving raises in a bad economy.
Pollard, who started at about $15,000, said it took him a long time to get to the compensation level he’s reached.
“You’re going to get what you paid for,” he advised.
Commissioner Mark Gose hoped the position could be advertised as widely as possible.
“I’ve got to believe there is someone out there looking for a challenge in Sebring, Florida,” he said.
“I think you’re going to be surprised at the number and quality of the applicants you’re going to get,” Pollard said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the commissioners decided Chairman Kathy Malie would serve on a search committee. Malie in turn asked for Smith to serve with her.
The committee is to be comprised of Malie, Smith, two city councilmen and Mayor George Hensley, with City Administrator Scott Noethlich and Pollard as non-voting members.
The committee will review applications and select a short list for CRA board approval.
The CRA voted unanimously to proceed with advertising the position and coordinating the establishment of the committee with city staff.