Alex Cooley announced as city’s next chief economic development officer

Palm Springs has selected Alex Cooley, a business development director from Alexandria, Va., as its next chief economic development officer, the city announced Tuesday.

Cooley is scheduled to begin work Monday, Dec. 7. Former City Manager Scott Stiles started the recruitment and evaluation process and led it for the most part. Interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool carried it forward to completion.

Cooley has spent the past four years as director of business development for Alexandria’s Economic Development Partnership. Before that, he was director of economic development at Dallas College in Texas and an economic development administrator at Northern Virginia Community College in Fairfax, Va.

In Alexandria, a city of about 160,000 residents, he leads business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts. His duties include attracting new investment, supporting existing businesses, advancing corporate site selection, building strategic partnerships and using business intelligence.

Cooley also helped develop ALX Forward, Alexandria’s economic development roadmap, through a strategic planning and community engagement process that involved businesses, residents and public-sector stakeholders. The city said that experience will be valuable as Palm Springs puts its recently completed Economic Development Strategic Plan into action.

In his new role, Cooley will align business development efforts with the city’s Convention Center Expansion, Airport Master Plan and Economic Development Roadmap. He will focus on strengthening established industries, attracting new investment, expanding business opportunities and positioning Palm Springs for growth in emerging sectors, including technology, sustainability and the creative economy.

“Alex’s extensive economic development experience, collaborative approach and vision for sustainable growth make him an excellent addition to our executive leadership team,” Vanderpool said. “We look forward to working with Alex as we build a stronger, more vibrant and economically resilient future while at the same time preserving the unique character that makes Palm Springs such a special place to live, work and do business.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to build on the city’s existing economic strengths while supporting diversification, attracting new investment and creating opportunities for local businesses and residents,” Cooley said.

“I believe successful economic development starts with listening, building relationships, and bringing the community together around a shared vision for the future. I look forward to engaging with the business community in this important work.”

Cooley holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is a Certified Economic Developer, a professional designation awarded by the International Economic Development Council.

He has served on the board of directors of the Council for Community and Economic Research and contributed to the publication “Workforce Development: Guidelines for Community College Professionals.”

“Alex brings the experience, strategic perspective, and collaborative leadership we need as Palm Springs enters a new chapter in its economic development efforts,” Mayor Naomi Soto said. “His ability to build strong partnerships and connect business opportunities with community priorities will be a tremendous asset to Palm Springs.”

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