Gifford resigns as CDC director
The director of the county's lead economic development organization abruptly resigned Tuesday, ending his tenure with Community Development Corporation of Butler County after just seven months on the job.
Steven Gifford, who took over as the CDC's director on July 1 following the retirement of former director Ken Raybuck, turned in a letter of resignation at the close of business Tuesday, said Josh Fye, the president of the CDC's board of directors.
Fye said Gifford did not list any specific reason for his resignation in the letter, which he declined to provide a copy of Wednesday.
“Steve has chosen to part ways with the CDC, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Fye said. “On behalf of the board of directors, we want to thank Steve for his service to the CDC for the last seven months.”
On Wednesday board members appointed Joe Saylor, the CDC's deputy director, as interim director of the organization. Fye said that the board intends to conduct a new search for a permanent director, but it's still unclear when that process would begin.
“We will resume the search as soon as we can,” Fye said. “Probably after the holidays and such, with the year-end wrapping up.”
Fye said he doesn't expect Gifford's departure to negatively affect any projects or initiatives in which the CDC is engaged.
“Joe Saylor is very in tune with the operations of the CDC and any projects we have going on,” Fye said. “We are fully confident in (his) ability to move the CDC forward. He has our full support.”
Gifford did not return a message left Wednesday at his office seeking comment.
He was hired by the CDC in April, after a nationwide search for Raybuck's replacement that included more than 20 applicants. He had worked as the director of Greensburg Community Development Corporation before being hired by the CDC.
