County appoints new development director

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Akron -- Connie L. Krauss has been appointed director of community and economic development.

Krauss, who started July 1, replaced Patrick J. D'Andrea, who is returning to the private sector, according to a June 30 press release from Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry.

Krauss has served as vice president of government affairs for the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce since 2004, and before that she served as director of alumni and community relations for Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Pry stated.

"Connie Krauss brings with her the experience and knowledge needed to continue our successes in creating jobs for our citizens," said Pry.

She has worked with local, state and federal officials on issues important to economic development, funding and policy, Pry stated. She has been involved with many county partnerships, including the Summit-Medina One Stop Employment Centers, Akron Tomorrow and Akron Community Learning Centers. Krauss holds a master's degree from the University of Akron and serves on the Summit Workforce Solutions Board and Social Services Advisory Board.

According to Pry, D'Andrea helped retain the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s world headquarters in Summit County, saving 1,790 jobs and purchases totaling more than $370 million annually in goods and services from more than 400 Summit County vendors.

D'Andrea also created the Summit County Economic Development Task Force, which helped create 3,734 new jobs and retain 3,427 jobs in the community, Pry stated in a June 30 press release.

Pry's spokesperson, Jill Hinig Skapin, did not immediately return a call for comment. Krauss could not be reached.