The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) has appointed Randy Seitz as its new Executive Director following a national search, selecting the veteran economic development leader to guide the organisation’s next phase of business growth and investment attraction. Seitz brings more than 30 years of experience in economic development, workforce development, business recruitment, and public-private partnerships across Texas and Pennsylvania. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the Bee Area Partnership in Bee County, Texas, where he helped facilitate more than $153 million in capital investment and supported the creation of 1,400 new jobs. During his tenure, the organisation also expanded broadband infrastructure, strengthened workforce partnerships, and advanced business recruitment initiatives. Prior to that role, Seitz led the Penn-Northwest Development Corporation in Pennsylvania and the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, overseeing investment attraction, business expansion, and organisational growth. KEDC Board Chair Alan Pollard said Seitz’s track record made him the standout candidate during the search process. “Randy distinguished himself as a proven economic development leader with an exceptional record of delivering results while building strong relationships with stakeholders,” Pollard said. “His experience aligns closely with the priorities identified by our Board and community.” Seitz said he looks forward to building on Kilgore’s economic momentum. “KEDC has established an impressive record of economic development success and enjoys strong partnerships with business leaders, elected officials, educational institutions, and community stakeholders,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside those partners to strengthen economic opportunities, support existing employers, and …
The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) has appointed Randy Seitz as its new Executive Director following a national search, selecting the veteran economic development leader to guide the organisation’s next phase of business growth and investment attraction.
Seitz brings more than 30 years of experience in economic development, workforce development, business recruitment, and public-private partnerships across Texas and Pennsylvania.
Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the Bee Area Partnership in Bee County, Texas, where he helped facilitate more than $153 million in capital investment and supported the creation of 1,400 new jobs. During his tenure, the organisation also expanded broadband infrastructure, strengthened workforce partnerships, and advanced business recruitment initiatives.
Prior to that role, Seitz led the Penn-Northwest Development Corporation in Pennsylvania and the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, overseeing investment attraction, business expansion, and organisational growth.
KEDC Board Chair Alan Pollard said Seitz’s track record made him the standout candidate during the search process.
“Randy distinguished himself as a proven economic development leader with an exceptional record of delivering results while building strong relationships with stakeholders,” Pollard said. “His experience aligns closely with the priorities identified by our Board and community.”
Seitz said he looks forward to building on Kilgore’s economic momentum.
“KEDC has established an impressive record of economic development success and enjoys strong partnerships with business leaders, elected officials, educational institutions, and community stakeholders,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside those partners to strengthen economic opportunities, support existing employers, and position Kilgore for continued long-term growth.”
As Executive Director, Seitz will oversee KEDC’s business recruitment, retention, and expansion strategies while leading site development, stakeholder engagement, and workforce initiatives across the East Texas community.
Located along Interstate 20 between Dallas and Shreveport, Kilgore has become a growing manufacturing hub with access to major freight corridors and a regional labour force of more than 325,000 workers, approximately 23% of whom are employed in goods-producing industries. The city is also home to Synergy Park, a Class A industrial campus that hosts manufacturers and distributors including Camfil USA, KeepRite Refrigeration, and Orgill.
KEDC said Seitz’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as manufacturers increasingly invest in automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced production technologies, creating new opportunities for East Texas to attract industrial investment and high-quality jobs.
Seitz holds a Master of Business Administration from PennWest University and is a member of both the International Economic Development Council and the Texas Economic Development Council.
He assumes the role immediately.
