EVERETT — Deborah Knutson, leader of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council, resigned Tuesday, saying she will take some time with her family before seeking a new job challenge.
Knutson, who has been president and CEO of the EDC for the past 12 years, will step down Oct. 31.
“To say the least, it has been a wonderful experience working with the board, community leaders and the fabulous staff,” Knutson said in a statement. “I’m very proud of our many accomplishments.”
She cited membership of a team of economic leaders who convinced the Boeing Co. to assemble the new 787 jet in Everett as her most memorable accomplishment.
Under Gov. Gary Locke, the state offered Boeing $3.2 billion in incentives to sway its decision.
“It was a true honor being a part of the project from site selection to first flight,” Knutson said.
More recently, Knutson has promoted aerospace training and facilities to encourage other aerospace firms to move to Snohomish County and has tried to promote expansion of the area’s biotechnology companies.
She noted that during her tenure, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center based in the EDC’s office, which helps businesses secure government contracts, grew from $2.5 million in contracts to $155 million.
“We all owe Deborah a tremendous debt of gratitude for her leadership during this past decade,” said Rick Cooper, chairman of the EDC board and CEO of The Everett Clinic. “Our community is better off today because Deborah helped lead the fight to keep Boeing here. It was worth it then, and we see the dividends being paid now as the first Dreamliner is prepared for delivery.”
Cooper said Knutson will be leaving the EDC in “sound shape.”
“There are no shortages of tasks ahead if we are to keep Snohomish County competitive and economically vibrant,” he added.
The EDC receives money from other public agencies and from private businesses. Knutson said it has 60 investors and an annual budget of $1.5 million. Snohomish County’s EDC was started in 1954 and is one of the oldest economic development agencies in Washington.
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