The retired AK Steel Butler Works general manager is the new chief of economic development and planning for Butler County.

Mark Gordon, 59, of Zanesville, Ohio, is eager to get started in his new job.

“It is a wonderful opportunity,” he said.

Gordon’s task will be to coordinate and stimulate economic development working with internal departments and county-related agencies.

He said stimulating economic revitalization by promoting the county’s assets with government, residents and business would be the best part of his duties.

“Painting that picture, I think will be the most exciting part of the job,” Gordon said.

Gordon, who starts March 13 and will be paid $89,366 annually, said he would enjoy the interaction with others.

“I’m a very hands-on and people-type person,” he said.

The chief of economic development post replaces the planning director post, which was vacant since Dave Johnston retired at the end of 2015.

However, the new position carries additional responsibilities, working with county mapping, assessment, tax claim and recycling.

Gordon also will work with the Community Development Corporation of Butler County, Butler County Community College and the Butler County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

His duties include supporting businesses wishing to relocate to the county, business expansions and aiding county municipalities with their infrastructure and development efforts.

Having grown up and worked in this region made it easy for Gordon to return.

“There’s something about the people in Western Pennsylvania I have an affinity for,” he said.

Gordon was raised in Rochester, Beaver County. He initially worked for Westinghouse Electric Company in Beaver before joining AK Steel Corporation, formerly known as Armco, in 1981.

After starting as engineer, Gordon rose to management, working in AK Steel’s Butler and Zanesville offices.

Before retiring last year, Gordon oversaw 1,800 employees, an average of more than 200 contractors daily and multiple manufacturing facilities producing an electrical steel production line.

During his tenure, the Butler Works was the first steel plant in the nation to receive the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Star safety designation and earned the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence.

Gordon said his retirement from his last job does not mean he was ready to stop working anytime soon.

“I’m going to contribute as long as I can bring value,” he said.

County Commissioner Leslie Osche, board chairman, said Gordon is the right person to take the helm on economic stimulation.

“His background and stature and experience carries a lot,” she said.

County Commissioner Kim Geyer agreed.

“We’re really excited to have him,” Geyer said. “He sees the big picture.”

Geyer said Gordon is result-oriented and possesses a good attitude.

“He’s going to relate well to our employees,” she said.

Geyer said there won’t be much of a learning curve for Gordon.

“He’s able to hit the ground running,” she said.

County Commissioner Kevin Boozel also is satisfied with the culmination of the hunt for someone to fill the new post.

“We did an exhaustive search for this person,” Boozel said. “It was worth the outcome.”

Gordon obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Geneva College in Beaver Falls and an executive master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame.

He will be relocating from Ohio. His three children live in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

The county salary board was set to approve Gordon’s salary this morning.