Rockwall Economic Development Corporation selects new president

(ROCKWALL, TX – July 20, 2018) The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation has announced Phil Wagner as the new President of the organization. The decision was finalized by the REDC Board of Directors at their meeting on July 19.

Dale Cherry, REDC Board Chairman, said, “After an extensive nationwide search, we are excited to announce Phil Wagner as President of the REDC. Phil brings great energy, experience, and focus to our organization, and his skills and personality are synergistic with those of our staff. On behalf of the REDC Board of Directors, I’d like to welcome Phil and his wife, Allison, to the Rockwall community.”

Wagner comes to Rockwall from the City of Sugar Land, Texas where he served in various roles, including as the Director of Economic Development. During his tenure, Wagner was instrumental in negotiating the acquisition of the formerly state-run Central Unit prison, and beginning redevelopment of the facility into a much needed light industrial business park. He also assisted with the development of various mixed-use centers, revitalized aging retail locations, and led business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts.

As Director, Wagner oversaw Sugar Land’s Primary Employment, Public-Private Partnerships, Tourism, and Cultural Arts divisions. He managed Sugar Land’s economic development sales tax corporations—the Sugar Land Development Corporation and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation—as well as three tax increment reinvestment zones.

Wagner also previously served as the Assistant Economic Development Director for the City of Dubuque, Iowa. In that capacity, he assisted with transforming a series of vacant industrial buildings into a vibrant mixed-use development known as the Historic Millwork District. He also served as project manager for the City’s business park expansion and oversaw riverfront revitalization efforts along the Mississippi River. As in Sugar Land, Wagner was also successful in Dubuque leading business recruitment and expansion projects that resulted in increased jobs and taxable value for the community.

“I am honored to be selected as the President of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation and to be able to continue building on the tremendous momentum established by the REDC Board and staff,” said Wagner. “We all know that North Texas is thriving. I believe that Rockwall is well positioned to capitalize on that growth. There are few communities that have Rockwall’s combination of infrastructure development and land availability, access to a skilled workforce, and a high quality of life provided through first-class educational offerings, affordable housing, and recreational amenities.”

Wagner received a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas in 2010. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Political Science from Central Michigan University in 2007. Wagner starts with the REDC on August 13.

Submitted press release by Lauri Dodd, Public Information Officer / Marketing, City of Rockwall

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