Chris Shacklett has been appointed as Richardson’s director of economic development after serving since February as interim director, City Manager Don Magner announced.
“Chris has played an integral role in our development initiatives for many years, and I am excited to name him our new Director of Economic Development,” Magner said in a statement “Chris’ vast experience in development services coupled with his deep understanding of our approach to economic development have proven to be a valuable combination, providing developers and businesses a unique resource that can offer guidance and support throughout their entire process. This was evident during his tenure as interim director, which resulted in numerous programs and projects being announced and advanced. I know that our economic development efforts are in good hands with Chris and his team.”
Previously, Shacklett was assistant director of development Services-Planning since 2022. He has been with the city for more than 17 years, having been hired as an engineering technician in the Development Services Department. He also served as a planner, senior planner and development review manager before being named assistant director, the city said.
Before coming to Richardson, he worked in the commercial real estate industry for four years, providing GIS, marketing, demographic and research support for The Weitzman Group.
Department was created in 2022
The city said that Shacklett will lead its Economic Development Department, which was created in 2022 when the city council made the decision to change the city’s approach to economic development. According to the city, creating the department was designed to better leverage essential economic development partnerships and opportunities. Prior to the creation of the department, the city had partnered with the Richardson Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years to provide economic development services through the Richardson Economic Development Partnership.
“It’s an honor to be named the director of economic development,” Shacklett said in a statement. “I’ve had a lot of positions with the city in my 17 years here, but these last seven months serving as interim director have been among the most rewarding. With the projects we have underway and those that are upcoming, big things are happening in Richardson.”
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