Schuessler to Step Down as DCEDC Executive Director;

Search Underway for Successor

December 17, 2019:  The Door County Economic Development Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Jim Schuessler, Executive Director at a special board meeting today. Schuessler announced that he will depart effective the end of January, 2020, to assume the role as Executive Director for Yuma (Arizona) Multiversity, an urban education hub for existing institutions of higher education and the degrees they offer.

Schuessler stated: “As both a broadcaster and economic development professional, I have been blessed by being a part of amazing organizations, yet the work Team DCEDC is achieving here, and being a part of this team, has been the most rewarding and meaningful in my career. It has been a privilege to develop Team DCEDC, a group that has already achieved great results and is poised for even greater impacts in the future.”

Schuessler continued, “As it is most important that Team DCEDC continue progressing and succeed with the 2020 Strategic Work Plan, I have offered to stay on board through January to ensure that the momentum that has been established continues. Team DCEDC needs a new head coach, but it is blessed with an inspiring group of professionals that are poised for great things going forward.”

Patti Vickman, Chair of the DCEDC Board stated: "We thank Jim for his leadership of DCEDC and his dedication to Door County. During his tenure, Jim quickly integrated into the Door County community and served as a positive and passionate advocate for economic development in Door County. Under his leadership, the DCEDC strengthened its economic development mission as an organization, deployed best economic development practices, and worked collaboratively with other county entities to address the present needs of business and ensure the future economic vitality of Door County.”

Schuessler, serving as only the third DCEDC Executive Director since the organization was created in 1989, began his service in July, 2018. During his tenure, he served as a board member for the Bay Area Workforce Development Board, Destination Sturgeon Bay, Destination Door County, and UnitedOne Credit Union.

?Vickman continued, “Jim’s time with the DCEDC has continued to move us forward as one of the model economic development organizations for the rest of the state. The Board is very appreciative of how Jim has built such a strong team at DCEDC, which will continue the important work and mission of the organization. The Board wishes Jim nothing but the best, as he pursues his future professional endeavors and joins the rest of his family, who are living in Arizona.” 

DCEDC Board Chair, Patti Vickman will chair the search committee for Schuessler’s replacement in collaboration with Human Resources Consulting, LLC.