Group outlines wish list

The hunt for Chapel Hill’s newest downtown guru is on — and members of the body that person would be leading now have a better idea of what they’re seeking.

The group decided that it wants a candidate with enthusiasm and a high-level education. It also would prefer someone who has experience working in a college town and can deal with the unique problems such an area presents.

The discussion came during a meeting Thursday of the subcommittee of the Downtown Economic Development Corporation that’s charged with finding a permanent executive director.

“We need someone that has a high amount of energy, not in demeanor or personality, but in terms of their effectiveness with the public,” said Tom Tucker, corporation member and owner of Carolina Car Wash & Detail Inc.

As the March 1 deadline for applications crept nearer, the committee was helped in its choices by representatives from Smither & Associates Inc., the employment agency the board hired to help it in the hiring process.

Nick Didow, a business professor at UNC, has served as the interim executive director since August.

The corporation, which includes two University members, four from the town and one appointed by the other six, would use a permanent director for outreach and recruitment work in the community.

Funding for the group comes equally from the town, UNC and a special downtown business tax.

“I think the board is going to look at the applicants’ capabilities in delivering and administrating economic dollars, regular media and public relations contacts, and experience in dealing with diverse stakeholders and building consensus,” said corporation chairwoman Andrea Rohrbacher.

“The goal is to get a permanent director as soon as possible,” she said.

The group plans to sign a new director for two years, updating his or her contract each year.

Due to the triennial nature of the corporation’s funding, the director typically would receive a three-year contract — but because the corporation is almost finished with its first year, the contract must be constructed accordingly.

Smither & Associates already has received 31 applications and expects more before the March 1 deadline.

At Thursday’s meeting, company representatives presented the corporation with estimated costs for bringing in out-of-area applicants.

Costs for transportation, background checks, relocation, lodging and meetings would drive the price to $10,000 to interview three out-of-area applicants.

The corporation will meet again March 16, in closed session, to discuss final applicants.

Smither & Associates will recommend 15 finalists, but the corporation will see all applications before the meeting.

Rohrbacher said she is hoping that the group will be able to identify its finalists by March 23.

But she said that timeline could be tight for the employment agency, which will have to check at least five personal and character references for each applicant.

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.