Buddy Rizer is Loudoun County’s New Director of Economic Development
Buddy Rizer has been selected as the new Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet announced today. Rizer has been serving as Acting Director of the department since August 1, 2013, following the resignation of former director Tom Flynn.
“We conducted a nationwide search for this position and had a very strong and competitive applicant pool. Buddy stood out as an exceptional strategic thinker and manager,” said Hemstreet. “I am confident that under his leadership, the Department of Economic Development will succeed in carrying out the Board of Supervisors’ strategic plan, organizational goals, and priorities as they relate to economic development.”
Rizer says he is looking forward to his new position. “I’ve always said that this is one of the great economic development jobs anywhere in the country. Loudoun County has a supportive Board of Supervisors, a very involved business community, and a great team of economic development professionals on staff. I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead Loudoun’s economic development’s efforts,” said Rizer.
Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Director of Economic Development is responsible for the county’s overall economic development strategies for attracting new business, reinvestment, job creation, retention of existing businesses and rural economic development, and ensuring that those strategies reflect the Board of Supervisors’ strategic plan, organizational goals, and priorities.
Rizer has worked for Loudoun County since April 2007 and was named Assistant Director in February 2012. He has been a key force in the successful development of the data center cluster in Loudoun. Before coming to the Loudoun County government, Rizer worked in radio, including positions as an owner/operator, program director, brand manager and on-air personality.
In 2012, Rizer earned a prestigious national certification in economic development. The Certified Economic Developer designation, conferred by the International Economic Development Council, recognizes the practitioner’s mastery of and professional excellence in the field of economic development.