Addison Welcomes Wayne Emerson as New Economic Development Director Following Nationwide Search

The Town of Addison is pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Emerson as the new Economic Development Director, following an extensive nationwide search. Emerson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having demonstrated a remarkable track record of fostering economic growth and development throughout his career.

In his new role, Emerson will lead Addison's efforts to promote economic prosperity, enhance the business climate, and create job opportunities through comprehensive development approaches. His vision and commitment align perfectly with the Town's goals of ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for our community.

“I am pleased to welcome Wayne to the Town of Addison as our new Economic Development Director,” stated City Manager David Gaines. “We are excited about the fresh perspectives and energy he brings to our community and look forward to his contributions to our ongoing growth and success."

Emerson brings a diverse background to his new role. Prior to joining the Addison team, he served as the Director of Economic Development in Denton, where he prioritized historic redevelopment, particularly in the heart of Denton's downtown. Additionally, he drove significant industrial expansion along the I-35 corridor, bolstering the city's economic strength and adaptability.

With extensive experience in working with municipalities, Emerson has played pivotal roles in multiple cities before joining Denton. He brought sustainable development to the City of Dallas as the manager of the City's Property Assessed Clean Energy program. He also played a pivotal role in providing affordable housing as a Tax Increment Financing District Manager. During his time in Allen, Emerson and the Allen Economic Development Corporation successfully delivered Class A office space within walkable mixed-use districts, further enhancing the city's appeal as a business destination.

Emerson's passion for urban development and economic theory were nurtured during his earlier career as a geography and economics teacher in the Irving Independent School District. He also served in the U.S. Army as a military journalist, including a deployment to Iraq as a public affairs officer, demonstrating his dedication to public service.

He is a proud alumnus of the University of North Texas, where he studied History. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. He also holds a certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council.

Addison is excited to welcome Wayne Emerson to our team and looks forward to his leadership in driving economic development initiatives that will benefit our residents, businesses, and community.