Knight tapped to head McMinn County Economic Development Authority

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Arkansas-North Carolina Live Blog

The McMinn County Economic Development Authority has named a new executive vice president to replace now-retired longtime leader Jack Hammontree.

Kathy B. Knight graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens and was the former assistant director of the Loudon County Economic Development Agency for 13 years.

McMinn County Mayor John Gentry said Knight's record of accomplishment underscores the authority's decision to bring her on board.

"Kathy has played a key leadership role in Loudon County's successes. She has an impeccable reputation for hard work, and she brings extensive subject knowledge," Gentry said. "I am excited that she has agreed to bring her experience and skill set to McMinn County."

During her tenure in Loudon County, Knight and the economic development team recruited more than $600 million of capital investment and some 1,600 new jobs to the area.

"What we accomplished in Loudon County we can accomplish here, in McMinn County," Knight said.