Lifelong Sapulpan, Sapulpa High School graduate class of 1999, and State Representative Mark P. Lawson began a busy first day as Sapulpa’s new Economic Development Director on Monday, April 12th.
Former State Senator Ted Fisher was the City’s first EDD, beginning in 2007. When he left in 2017, Public Works Director Steve Hardt took over some of his duties, but the City has not had a dedicated employee working to bring business and development opportunities to town since Fisher’s departure.
City Council and City staff felt that the passing of the 2020 GO Bond was an opportune time to begin a new search for the perfect person for the job, and, although a candidate was selected, this ultimately fell through, and the search resumed this January.
The topic has been discussed in multiple Executive Sessions, but the official announcement was not made until this week.
City Manager Joan Riley confirmed with Sapulpa Times that, “Mark officially started his position for the City on Monday of this week. His passion for Sapulpa and desire to to be a part of its growth and improvement is a tremendous asset for all of us.”
Qualifications for the job include a bachelor’s degree in an economic development or related field or equivalent experience and at least five years’ municipal or related experience, which Lawson has in spades. Additionally, the EDD should have excellent networking, communication, and collaboration skills.
Lawson told Sapulpa Times, “I’m excited to come to work for the City I’ve called home my entire life. The momentum and public buy-in from the community is greater than I can ever remember it being. We are realizing our City’s potential and I embrace the opportunity to maximize that potential.”
Lawson’s mother, City Councilor Vickie Beyer, resigned on Friday, per City Code that states that a new City employee cannot be related to a current member of City Council. Beyer said, “I love Sapulpa and intend to remain engaged and involved at this particularly exciting time for our great City,” and “I am extremely proud of [Mark] and so excited about the things he’ll be able to accomplish.”
Lawson will hit the ground running with the current energy and excitement coursing through the City due to the GO Bond, while also fulfilling his duties as a State Representative in Oklahoma City, and raising his family with his wife, Pam.
