The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Update: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, 6:50 p.m.

Carolyn Chrisman will take over K-REDI's Director of Job Creation position Jan. 1.

K-REDI Board President Bill Lymer said the board began searching in June to find someone to takeover the position. In the beginning, Lymer said there were 50 applicants. The board narrowed those to four. He said Chrisman's strong skill set helped her surpass the others.

"She knows all the unique relationships in Kirksville," said Lymer.  She's very familiar with the plans that we have, the managers that we have, as well as the service institutions that are in Kirksville. The people that own, manage, and run those, she knows those people. So that gets her a distinct advantage over someone that does have more years of economic development experience."

Lymer said although Chrisman doesn't have much economic development experience, he said he's confident her strong skill set and long list of professional contacts will help her get the job done.

"It's really a different fit than just find someone with economic development experience. We're looking for someone who is going to make this a sales type position.  We are selling the city of Kirksville to new developers and job creators."

Current Director Phil Tate will help Chrisman transition into the position until Feb. 1. 

Christmas is resigning from the Kirksville City Council and has already resigned from her teaching position. Kirksville R-III schools Superintendent Patrick Williams said he's sorry to see her leave but he supports her pursuit of a career outside of education. Williams said Chrisman attended Kirksville High School when he was Principal. He said she has always been committed to public service.

Williams said the district has been communicating with several good candidates to take over Chrisman's job at the Middle School. He said she had good students so the transition should be an easy one. Williams said the district is still accepting applicants until Jan 1.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kirksville Regional Economic Development has hired a new head of job creation. K-REDI announced Wednesday that they have hired Carolyn Chrisman to fill the position as Director Of Job Creation. 

Chrisman is currently a member of Kirksville City Council and has been a teacher at the Kirksville Middle School. She will replace Phil Tate who is retiring from the post. 

Ckick here to see Chrisman contract