Almost 11 years after being hired as executive director of the Franklin County Development Authority (FCDA), Mitch Mays has resigned from the position.
Mays tendered his 30-day notice to the FCDA Board of Directors on Tuesday. He has accepted a position as administrator with the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority in Columbus, MS.
According to a source familiar with the announcement, Mays will begin his new job next month, but his family will remain in Russellville through his son's graduation from Russellville High School in 2018. His final day of employment with FCDA will be June 3, 2016. Mays' annual salary is approximately $70,000 and includes an additional vehicle allowance.
Mays began his tenure as executive director in August of 2005. Prior to coming to Franklin County, he worked with the Talladega County Development Authority. Mays served in the United States Air Force and Alabama Air National Guard. He holds a BS in Management from Wesley College in Delaware and an MBA from William Carey University in Mississippi.
The FCDA was created in 2002 to coordinate efforts to recruit industry in Franklin County. In addition to attracting new industry, the authority prioritizes growth of existing business and industry within Franklin County.
Franklin County has five industrial parks and two speculative buildings available for new or expanded business.
Matt Cooper, vice-chairman of the FCDA Board of Directors, said the board will meet May 17 to discuss its course of action following Mays' resignation.
“We'll come up with our plan for going forward and will consider all options at that time,” Cooper said. “We need continued support from our communities on funding so we can attract the proper person to lead our organization.”
FCDA funding comes primarily from severance tax revenues on sand and gravel. Franklin County is the lone Alabama county whose severance tax revenue is earmarked for economic development. That tax revenue averages approximately $100,000 per year. Additionally, the authority operates on contributions from municipalities inside Franklin County and the support of the Franklin County Commission. FCDA employees receive health care and retirement administered through the Franklin County Commission, but the county does not contribute funds directly to the FCDA; nor does it pay any salary, health care or retirement for FCDA employees.
Franklin County has seen the addition of more than 700 new jobs during the past three years, including major expansions/relocations of Southern Energy Homes and Innovative Hearth Products, as well as Mar-Jac's planned $35 million feed mill in Spruce Pine.
“I don't think there's a question that we're leaving Franklin County in better condition than when we got here,” Mays said. “We've had some really good companies locate here. The unemployment rate [6.4%] is the lowest in north Alabama. For us in Franklin County, with a population of 31,000, we've had our share of announcements, and I'm proud to have been a part of that.
“The county commission and municipalities have all stepped up. Phil Campbell has been involved with the Mar-Jac project even though it's not in their town limits. That's a $35 million feed mill that will be served by the Phil Campbell Water and Sewer Board. It's definitely been a team approach."
Mays admits there is a frustrating element to his job in that the public only learns of successful projects and often doesn't see the extensive behind-the-scenes efforts that regularly take place inside the county.
“I've always told people, if you have a psychological problem with rejection, go into economic development and you'll quickly get over it,” Mays said. “We're told 'no' more than we're told 'yes.' There are some strong personalities we work with, but you put egos aside and keep in mind the work you're doing is to benefit the community you work for."
Mays' duties with the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Authority will involve day-to-day administrative duties, including working to maintain funding for the Tenn-Tom Waterway to keep it operable as a viable waterway.
Mays believes Franklin County's strength in recruiting industry is the number of available sites in the county.
“We've had some really big companies looking in Franklin County. Lots of people never hear about that because it remains a confidential process. They're coming to look because of the industrial sites and buildings that are available,” Mays said.
Mays contacted Cooper and FCDA Board chairman Glen Vinson prior to submitting his resignation. Mays' departure was unexpected and was not at all encouraged or anticipated by the board.
“During his tenure we've seen the recruitment of a lot of jobs and resources to Franklin County," Cooper said. "There's always a lot of work behind the scenes. It's a team effort that Mitch directed."
The FCDA office will continue operations under the temporary leadership of assistant director Sherye Price until a permanent replacement is hired.
Mays said two additional relocation announcements will be made in the coming days that will add significant job numbers to Franklin County.
“We've seen some really good announcements and some really good expansions in Franklin County," Mays said. "We've added more than 700 new jobs just in the last three years, and there are more to come."
