Arthur Cordwell of Allison Park has been hired as the new executive director for the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler.

The authority administers projects to increase economic development, provide quality housing and eliminate blight within the county.

Cordwell begins work on Aug. 1, but outgoing director Perry O’Malley will stay on with the authority board for six months to ensure a smooth transition, according to a statement released this week by the authority.

Cordwell was executive director for the Community Development Corporation of Butler County from 1995 until 2005.

Before that, he worked for 29 years in economic development at CNG Energy Co., Peoples Natural Gas Co. and Consolidated Natural Gas Service Co.

Under Cordwell’s guidance, the authority will continue working on its most ambitious undertaking, the Centre City project, which proposes a hotel and events center, as well as a parking garage, in downtown Butler.

Past authority projects have included the renovation of Pullman Park and its ongoing revitalization of the city’s West End.