In the News

Summit County has a new economic and community development director.

Connie Krauss, vice president of government affairs for the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce since 2004, is replacing Patrick D'Andrea, who is returning to his private law practice after less than a year in the county job.

Krauss, 58, takes over the $107,494-a-year position on Tuesday.

''I think this is a great opportunity,'' she said earlier this month. ''It's really an exciting time in the Summit County arena. It's really the only county in the state that has some positive job growth.''

As examples, she cited the new worldwide headquarters being developed for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Akron, the proposed biomedical corridor in downtown Akron, and economic development growth in Twinsburg and Green. She also highlighted ongoing discussions to keep the Bridgestone Firestone Technical Center from moving to Tennessee.

Krauss was appointed to the post by County Executive Russ Pry. He said he selected her because of ''her strong background and solid reputation.'' She also has been involved with economic development efforts locally with the chamber, he said.

''She knows the background and will come in and not miss a beat,'' Pry said.

Krauss has been involved with many Summit County partnerships, including the Summit-Medina One Stop Employment Centers, Akron Tomorrow and Akron Community Learning Centers. She also serves on the Summit Workforce Solutions Board and Social Services Advisory Board.

Before working at the chamber, Krauss was director of alumni and community relations for the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy. She also worked with now U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown.

During D'Andrea's tenure, he helped create the Summit County Economic Development Task Force. The group has been responsible for creating 3,734 jobs and retaining 3,427 jobs in the community, according to the county.

''The greatest sense of satisfaction has been the county being recognized as a participant in economic development, where I'm not sure that was the case before,'' he said.