NNDA director post almost filled

The field has narrowed and a decision is expected within weeks on a new leader for the Northern Nevada Development Authority.

Ed Shaw, president of Shaw Construction and of the Authority board, said final interviews for the three remaining candidates will be held Friday with a decision by the executive committee expected shortly after.

"The committee for NNDA has already put in a lot of hours," Shaw said. Job finalists were selected from a list of more than 30 qualified applicants.

"We had applicants from government backgrounds, and applicants from development types of organizations," he said. "We actually had six excellent candidates."

The committee has interviewed the candidates several times. Finalists all hail from Nevada.

Former executive director Kris Holt stepped down in mid-February from the post he held for more than 13 years to pursue a business development position at Shaw Construction. His departure was announced in mid-January. Since then the hiring committee has reviewed applications and done extensive interviewing to fill the vacancy.

Holt left behind a legacy of growth, contributing heftily to manufacturing mix that has pushed the four-county region represented by the Authority to the forefront among other Nevada regions.

Since 1988, manufacturing increased from approximately 100 companies to 300 companies in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties.

Some notable companies that have shown staying power include Chromalloy, Sierra Mold Corporation, Harley-Davidson Credit, California Gear and Instrument, Amway Corporation and, barring any complications, Starbucks Coffee.