Dickinson County EDC Appoints Abilene Native as Executive Director

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is pleased to announce Jessica Goodale, of Abilene, as its new Executive Director.
 
The DKEDC executive board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Goodale, who previously served as Interim Executive Director at DKEDC, and prior to that held the position Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) and Marketing Manager for the organization.
 
“We are very excited to see the wide breadth of education, experience, drive and local focus that Jessica brings to the task of helping local business succeed here in Dickinson County,” said Dennis Weese, past chairman of DKEDC.
 
Goodale is a Dickinson County native, having grown up outside Abilene, and is a 2001 graduate of Abilene High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies with emphasis in Public Relations from Fort Hays State University, along with minors in Graphic Design, German, and Leadership Studies. Her professional career took her to Texas, Colorado, and the Kansas communities of Wichita and Hays before returning to Abilene.
 
“Goodale came to DKEDC with a passion to bring value back to the place where she grew up, and we are pleased to offer her the opportunity to do just that,” said Darrin Volkman, Chairman of DKEDC and Owner of KVK, Inc.
 
The DKEDC sought out the advice of many of its Investors and Partners as the non-profit worked its way through this decision. “Like economic and community development itself, this was a collaborative effort,” added Volkman.
 
“From her time as Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Jessica exhibited the qualities needed in this role. Our executive board of directors felt she can lead our organization in its quest to be the premier partner for economic revitalization in the communities we serve here in Dickinson County,” said Weese.
 
DKEDC’s mission is to promote economic development throughout Dickinson County by serving as a resource and partner: attracting new industries, retaining existing businesses, enhancing and improving the quality of life for businesses, residences and visitors while forming strong relationships with everyone involved. Through its Driving Dickinson County Partnership, DKEDC partners with like-minded individuals and organizations who desire to make Dickinson County a desired place to do business in Kansas.
 
“Dickinson County has a rich history of producing great leaders, and we have a phenomenal group of experts, leaders and resources already within our county,” said Goodale. “DKEDC aims to connect those resources to the greater benefit. We know there is no hill that cannot be climbed by one of our own, supported by our investors and partners. From healthy economic growth springs quality of life, and I look forward to continuing our strong support as we aim to make Dickinson County an ideal place to live, work and play.”
 
For more information about the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation, call 785-200-3518, visit online at dkedc.com or visit their Facebook page @DKEDC.