Development director named

A Reno resident with 25 years of business and public experience was hired to take over as director of the Northern Nevada Development Authority.

Ronald J. Weisinger's first day will be Tuesday, he said Thursday.

The 56-year-old is a three-year resident of Reno who owns the Weisinger Co., an economic development consulting firm.

He served for two years in 1996 as a director of the Associated Builders and Contractors in Sierra Nevada.

He is presently a consultant with the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, Washoe County's version of the Northern Nevada Development Authority.

"This will give me an opportunity to use my background and experience," he said.

Weisinger graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisc. He graduated from high school in Bergenfield, N.J.

He taught high school during the Vietnam War. He worked as executive director of community coordinated child care in Palm Beach for 23 years.

He has worked in economic development since 1997 and is married to Donna Kristatonis. They have five children and two grandchildren.

He returned to Reno in 1999, saying it was a beautiful place to live.

"This is God's country," he said. "We bought the view and the house came with it."

Former authority director Kris Holt will serve as a consultant for the authority while Weisinger gets comfortable in the new post.

"Kris did a wonderful job and was kind enough to offer his services," Weisinger said.

Weisinger was selected by an Authority committee headed by Shaw Construction owner Ed Shaw.

"I want to personally thank all the members of the Executive Committee, the search committee, and the supporters who assisted in the search process. Their assistance and expertise in areas related to the process were invaluable." Shaw said. "I am very excited to have Ron join the team and look forward to a long and productive partnership."

Weisinger's first task will be to prepare for the Authority's annual fund-raiser, a golf tournament.

The Northern Nevada Development Authority has recruited businesses for Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties since 1982.