July 9, 2015
Contact: Colene McEntee, Public Affairs Coordinator, 636-949-1864, cmcentee@sccmo.org
St. Charles County, Missouri – Subject to confirmation by the St. Charles County Council at its July 13 meeting, County Executive Steve Ehlmann has appointed Scott Drachnik as Director of the St. Charles County Department of Workforce Development. Upon approval, Drachnik will start the position on August 17.
“Scott’s extensive experience and familiarity with St. Charles County and the business community will be invaluable to this position,” said Ehlmann. “His enthusiasm for and expertise in building strong relationships between businesses and education institutions, promoting our workforce resources and classes to local business and individuals, and showcasing St. Charles County’s growth in the science and technology industries will strengthen our economic development efforts, workforce and community.”
Ehlmann indicated that previous economic development efforts by County Government have been largely directed to compliance with and implementation of federal workforce rules. Recruiting Drachnik is a fundamental shift in the position, including the beginning of an enhanced effort to attract more major employers and development, such as the recently announced 1.3 million sq. ft. industrial project in Wentzville. “This is not about simply shuffling around retailers,” said Ehlmann. “With Scott in this position, we look forward to strengthening our relationships with the Economic Development Center of St. Charles County and our municipal partners and in working together to bring more opportunities to our community.”
Drachnik has 28 years of experience in national and international business and economic development, marketing and communications. Since 2004, Drachnik has served as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for the Economic Development Center (EDC) of St. Charles County. In this role, he helped lead and support large-scale business investment and job creation projects, including the Wentzville Logistics Center, a new automotive supplier plant for Faurecia, and three expansions for Apla. In addition, Drachnik led business recruitment, expansion and retention efforts; supervised and carried out marketing efforts to promote the EDC incubator and services; and helped plan and host annual EDC conferences and events.
Prior to the EDC, Drachnik served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Union, MO and the Union Development Corporation/Industrial Development Authority, as well as Executive Director of the World Mission Alliance, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Chesterfield Community Development Corporation, and Communications and Marketing Specialist for the City of St. Peters.
Drachnik received his Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications with a Business Minor from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. He is currently pursuing Certified Economic Developer status from the International Economic Development Council.
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