Lance Lippincott image via City of Fresno

Lance Lippincott, former president and CEO of the Kings County Economic Development Corp., will become the new director of economic development for the City of Fresno.

Lippincott will step into the job — currently filled by acting director Kelly Trevino — effective Oct. 10.

He comes into the job at a pivotal time as the competition for high-dollar e-commerce and tourism projects heats up in the Central Valley. He will be responsible for overseeing the department as it works in partnership with other organizations to  attract and incentivize new businesses, retain current businesses and expand the City of Fresno’s economic footprint in the region, according to a news release.

“Lance brings a myriad of experience to this role. Many of his strengths are just what we need to boost economic development in Fresno in a big way. Lance is a bridge builder who knows the critical value of relationships and partnerships in development and economic vitality,” said City Manager Georgeanne White in a statement.

A Merced native, Lippincott is a graduate of Chico State and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has led the Kings County EDC for the last four years and has also served as the director of the Kings County Job Training Office in that period, where he designed and implemented new programs serving businesses and jobseekers.

“I am very excited and honored to join the incredibly dynamic City of Fresno team. I look forward to learning of current business attraction, retention and expansion efforts in the Fresno economy and how those efforts can be built upon going forward,” said Lippincott.

Mayor Jerry Dyer said Lippincott is stepping into an all-important role.

“Business attraction and retention are absolutely vital to the growth and prosperity of our city and are a top priority of my administration, and I know that Lance’s experience and his proven track record as a leader will help to take this department to the next level,” Dyer said.

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Read the Jan. 1, 2021 Executive Profile of Lance Lippincott.