Cedar Park has selected a Tulsa Regional Chamber senior vice president and former Austin economic development official as the new Cedar Park Chief Economic Development Officer.

Arthur Jackson was selected to fill the space left vacated by Cedar Park's former, long-time economic development director Ben White, according to a March 26 announcement by the city. White left the position after five successful years with the city to serve in a similar role for the City of Taylor as it prepares for the opening of the $17 billion Samsung semiconductor plant.

Jackson will have big shoes to fill in his new position when he starts on April 15. He is already departing the Tulsa Regional Chamber with high praises for his work developing workforce and talent strategies and their economic development efforts since joining in 2021.

"We thank Arthur for his three years of service to the Chamber and our entire region," said Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal in a recent release. "Under his leadership, the Chamber helped secure the largest economic development deal in state history – Enel 3SUN – and was named 2023 Economic Development Organization of the Year by the International Economic Development Council."

He was even named an Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award recipient during his time with them in 2021.

Prior to working with Tulsa, he served as Senior Director of Economic Development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Opportunity Austin. He served with the organization for a total of five years, including one year in the senior position. Prior to that, he spent four years as a board member with the Austin Contact Center Alliance.

His other prior work experience includes five years with the U.S. Small Business Administration and three years working up to a managerial position with Sears Holdings Corporation. He was also a founding board member for the TEXGHS Innovation Consortium and previously a board member with i2E, Inc.

"I am excited to be coming back home to central Texas and joining the City of Cedar Park as their new Chief Economic Development Officer. I am committed to fostering a vibrant community where innovation thrives, businesses flourish and opportunities abound. Together, we will build upon Cedar Park's strong foundation while charting a course towards a long-term sustainable future," Jackson said in a statement.