From Susan Rabinowitz, BDBMC Board President and Bank of America Market President.
It’s funny, but whenever you get a chance to give in life, you never quite know how much more you’ll receive in return.
Nearly two years ago I applied to volunteer on the board of directors for the Business Development Board of Martin County. Soon after, I was nominated to serve as chair. Admittedly, I was hesitant, but I’m glad I accepted. What followed was an exciting and educational experience with interesting challenges, noteworthy accomplishments, and wonderful professional camaraderie.
It’s been a dynamic, fun-filled experience getting to meet and collaborate with so many talented colleagues who also volunteer on the board and represent a variety of local industries. Everyone involved—from the staff to the board members to our Investors Council to our numerous partners—remains dedicated to advancing the BDB’s mission of creating a stronger and more resilient local economy.
My time as chair coincides with another significant milestone for the organization—hiring a new executive director.
We’re actively advertising to fill the position. A team of volunteers—composed of experts from across the discipline of economic development—are currently reviewing applications. Economic development experience is preferred for job candidates but not explicitly required. We’re looking for someone who’s adept at coordinating with the wide variety of private sector employers that we work with—as well as government and nonprofit entities.
Qualifying experience could encompass banking, finance, community development, project management, entrepreneurship, and more.
A key quality is the ability to foster sound relationships. Local knowledge and a track record of working with C-suite executives and public officials are vital.
For more specifications, applicants can visit BDBMC.org and navigate to “Careers & Internships.” The deadline to submit a letter of interest and resume is June 15.
In the meantime, we’ve fortunately had Dan Hudson as our interim director. A veteran manager of several local governments who excels at municipal budgeting and fiscal management, Dan has prepared the organization well for permanent leadership.
In addition to bringing on Janine Khan as office administrator to complement Inez van Ravenzwaaij of programs and partnerships, we’ve augmented our team with Kevin Farrell. Experienced in youth workforce development, security management and military operations, where his 24-year career includes multiple combat deployments, Kevin will assist with our Pulse program.
The BDB also contracted with the acclaimed economic development advisory firm BusinessFlare®. With an office in Martin County, the company knows the local landscape and will assist with comprehensive business attraction and expansion services. Founder Kevin Crowder outlined his goals of helping us “attract new businesses, support the growth of existing ones and ultimately enhance the economic well-being of Martin County.”
As a tightly focused, well-equipped BDB moves to attract its next executive director, I look forward to even more professional leaders joining the efforts and experiencing the invaluable returns that result from giving back.
In addition to volunteering as chair of the Business Development Board of Martin County, Susan Rabinowitz is the Treasure Coast Market President and Business Banking Market Executive for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast markets for Bank of America.
