Phelps County Development Corporation, Courtesy
HOLDRGE — Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) Director Ron Tillery is announcing his planned transition, and a new director will take the reins of the organization this fall.
“I’m stepping away from PCDC because it’s inevitable that my time here will eventually come to a close,” Tillery said. “Our goal is to ensure that this transition happens in the least disruptive way possible, positioning the organization for long-term success well beyond my tenure.”
Tillery began work as PCDC’s director in May 2016 and has propelled Phelps County into growth mode, spearheading many projects such as the Cobblestone Hotel, securing Rural Workforce Housing grants that resulted in two new subdivisions, and building and maintaining relationships with decision makers on a local, state, and federal level. His most recent wins include recruiting DG Fuels and ZEA Sun to Phelps County.
But for Tillery, he said it’s the intangibles that he wants to define his legacy.
“I think there’s an energy and optimism here that has grown over time,” Tillery said. “For me, it’s more important to build the capacity and the culture and the sense of can-do – that’s more important for a community this size. Communities like ours must have a sense of optimism that we can accomplish things in the face of difficulty. Accomplish big things.”
PCDC Board President Jared Engelbert said he is grateful that Tillery took a chance and moved to Phelps County.
“Ron had told us that when he was considering accepting the Phelps County position, he drove around Holdrege and said this is a community that is about to go places,” Engelbert said. “I think it came true largely because Ron became our director.”
Engelbert cites Tillery’s vision for downtown as one of his biggest tangible accomplishments.
“Downtown Holdrege has improved so much since Ron has been here with his vision for the GO! programs and the façade grants, and through the Covid gift-card program,” Engelbert said. “Ron was able to find ways to incentivize development through the downtown businesses. I think that is one of his best impacts.”
Engelbert also cited Tillery’s energy.
“He really pushed us all to think bigger and was constantly looking for opportunities and thinking outside the box and thinking creatively and pulling together all the pieces,” Engelbert said. “He squeezed every second out of every day. He does it because he cares about the community. He approached his responsibilities as executive director with great seriousness and dedication.”
Tillery’s contract concludes at the end of 2025, and he helped find his replacement. Tillery explained that it was a targeted selection process in which they identified potential candidates they thought would be a good fit for Phelps County.
Jeff Hofaker, who has served as city administrator for Sutton for the past 10 years, has accepted the position.
“He had a long economic development career in Phillipsburg, Kan., and has served as the city administrator in Sutton for more than 10 years,” Tillery said. “Having both city administrator and economic development experience is something that we think is valuable. He also has experience in housing, recruiting and building an ethanol plant … all things that will resonate with this area’s challenges, needs and assets. He was also just a really good fit with his temperament and professionalism. People like him, and he had terrific references.”
Engelbert reiterated Tillery’s comments on the new hire.
“With the projects that we have in progress right now, we valued someone who has experience in the industry and someone who could bring stability and continuity to the position,” Engelbert said. “Jeff does that. He’s really talented. He has experience at the state level and is well-connected with economic development organizations across the state.”
Hofaker is required to give 90-days’ notice before leaving his current position and will begin his PCDC career this fall.
“Holdrege is a progressive city, with strong community leaders in businesses, government, and service organizations,” Hofaker said. “The PCDC board and staff have done a fantastic job in community and economic development activities and programs. I feel very honored to have been selected as the next executive director of PCDC. It is a blessing to be able to become a part of this strong and vibrant community. I am very excited about the future in Phelps County!”
Tillery will be available to Hofaker and to the PCDC board to assist in the transition until the end of the year.
“I think one of the things I’m most thankful for here is the quality of people I’ve worked with,” Tillery said. “The board of directors has been outstanding. There is a diversity of experience and thought processes on this board, but they are all unified on wanting the best thing for Phelps County. Some people take that for granted, but having been in other communities, not every place enjoys the benefit of outstanding leadership.”
Tillery said he has a passion for small-town America and plans to continue working in that field.
“I want to help other small rural Nebraska communities establish and sustain viable economies, and I intend to pursue that with some partners,” Tillery said. “I’m working with others who share that passion, and I hope to make an announcement soon.”
Article provided by Phelps County Development Corporation
