The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) has announced that Taylor Adams will become its new President and CEO. The decision follows the announcement in February by current President and CEO Mike Kazmierski that he would step down this summer after leading the organization since 2011.
The EDAWN Board of Trustees, led by Chair Len Savage, conducted a nationwide search for Kazmierski’s successor with assistance from Jorgenson Consulting. More than 100 candidates were considered during the process.
“The process was deliberate and inclusive because all of us knew it would be hard to find a replacement for Mike Kazmierski,” said Len Savage. “However, we are thrilled to welcome Taylor Adams, his wife Phoenix, and their four children to our community.”
Taylor Adams joined the City of Virginia Beach in 2015. He currently serves as Deputy City Manager for Economic Development, Convention and Visitor Bureau, Resort Management, and Cultural Affairs. Before his time in Virginia Beach, Adams held roles in both private and public sectors. His previous positions include Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Finance for the City of Starkville, Mississippi; Purchasing Manager at Mississippi State University; Chief Marketing Officer/Managing Partner at Benefits Concepts P.A.; and Business Development Officer/Commercial Credit Analyst at National Bank of Commerce of Mississippi.
“It is both exciting and an honor to be given the opportunity to lead a dynamic organization like EDAWN,” said Taylor Adams. “Our family looks forward to becoming active members of the community, and I am grateful to the EDAWN Board for selecting me to continue the great work the team has done during Mike’s tenure.”
Adams will join EDAWN on July 1 as incoming President and CEO while relocating his family and transitioning with outgoing CEO Mike Kazmierski. He will officially assume leadership on August 16.
A press conference introducing Taylor Adams and his wife is scheduled for July. For more information or to contact Taylor Adams, Mona Byram can be reached at 775-829-3711 or byram@edawn.org.
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a private/public partnership established in 1983 that works to add quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting existing businesses, and assisting startups in order to diversify the economy in Greater Reno-Sparks. More details about EDAWN can be found at www.edawn.org.