Kilgore, TX – The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) is pleased to announce that Eric Wiggins has joined KEDC as Business Development and Marketing Director.
“Eric is joining KEDC after a nationwide search,” said Executive Director Lisa Denton. “I am delighted he has chosen to bring his skills in marketing and economic development to Kilgore.”
A graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Master of Science in Economic Development program, Wiggins most recently served more than two years as Project Manager for the Washington County Economic Alliance in Greenville, Mississippi.
While in Washington County, he worked on projects that created an estimated 300 jobs and brought more than $200M in capital investment to the county. Most notably, an aerospace company specializing in maintenance, repair and overhaul of military aircraft has chosen to call Greenville Mid-Delta Airport “home.”
“I’m very excited to join KEDC,” said Wiggins. “Kilgore has an amazing story to tell, and I can’t wait to help tell it. Lisa and the KEDC team work so hard for Kilgore, and I’m looking forward to working with such a strong and dedicated team. I know I have some big shoes to fill, but with support from Lisa, Jana and Stephanie, I’m sure it won’t take long to get settled.”
He will begin his position July 11. His role will be to direct marketing activities developing new industry leads for Kilgore as well as to assist Denton with primary employer recruitment. Wiggins brings graphic design, video production and drone pilot experience to KEDC.
Wiggins is a commercial hot air balloon pilot, and he brought that passion for aviation to Greenville Mid-Delta Airport to organize Greenville Aviation Days, a small balloon festival and airshow that takes place in July. When he isn’t in the office or in the air, Wiggins can be found at vinyl record shops and craft breweries enjoying the simpler things in life.
He joins KEDC after the retirement of Jana Russell. “It has been my privilege to contribute to the success of this organization over the past 13 years. I am excited Eric has chosen to accept this position, and I think he will be a tremendous asset to the organization and to the city of Kilgore.”
About KEDC: During the past five years Kilgore Economic Development Corp. has closed projects that represent more than $190 million in new and retained capital investment and 2,600 jobs. It is directed by a five-person board and managed by a staff with certifications in economic development and economic development finance. KEDC has won international awards for excellence in economic development and has been selected as the outstanding Texas community of its size in 2001, 2007 and 2015. In 2020, KEDC was named the outstanding economic development organization of its size in the nation.