“Jim is highly qualified and brings the skill set and drive the City Council is looking for, as we continue placing our priority on building the diverse and thriving economic base of McKinney,” said Mayor Brian Loughmiller.
“The MEDC Board considered many qualified candidates to fill this key role during our national search and we found Jim’s skill set, enthusiastic personality, and commitment for success to be a great match to the opportunities facing McKinney. We look forward to the leadership that Jim will bring to our organization,” said Keith Clifton, MEDC Board Chair.
Prior to his appointment as the as the MEDC President, Wehmeier served for nearly eight years as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Lufkin and President of the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation. He also jointly filled the role of President and CEO of the Lufkin Angelina County Economic Development Partnership, a countywide privately funded 501C3 Economic Development Corporation.
“I consider this position in McKinney to be one of the premier economic development positions in the country. I’m excited about the many opportunities McKinney has in front of it and being a part of such a dynamic and well respected community. It will be an honor to be a part of the team and play a part in its future economic growth,” said Wehmeier.
McKinney recently held the groundbreaking ceremony of the new headquarters and research and development facility for Emerson Process Management’s Regulator Technologies arm at the Gateway site, located at the interchange of U.S. 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway. Traxxas, a remote-control car manufacturer, is also moving its headquarters to McKinney upon completion. And the Collin County Regional Airport in McKinney opened a new runway in July that can accommodate commercial-size jets.
"The MEDC President plays a critical role in McKinney’s economic development initiatives as we work toward short- and long-term goals for the community as a whole. I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on our economic development momentum," said City Manager Jason Gray.
Wehmeier brought in more than $170 million in new development and expansion projects to Lufkin in 2010 and 2011 alone. As the legislative liaison, he helped bring more than $30 million of state and federal grants to the community. Wehmeier also serves on multiple TXDOT transportation committees as well as “Team Texas” the statewide economic development marketing team for economic development in Texas where he serves as Vice-Chair and incoming Chair. Wehmeier also led the purchase and pre-development of Lufkin’s first business park.
After college, Wehmeier spent 10 years in Professional Sports Management running minor league baseball franchises in both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros organizations. He left baseball to come home to Texas and move closer to family and friends, spending three years as a regional manager for a small technology company in Austin.
Wehmeier also previously served as the Executive Director of the Hillsboro Area Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce for three years.