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TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Regional Chamber taps Arthur Jackson, a Black Texan experienced in recruiting major businesses, to become senior vice president of economic development, effective Feb. 22.
Jackson will lead the Chamber’s economic development efforts through Tulsa’s Future, the Chamber-led public-private regional economic development partnership, according to a press release. Beyond that, Jackson will also be responsible for workforce and talent strategies. That includes the Chamber’s recent designation as an Oklahoma Manufacturing Center of Workforce Excellence.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to lead the next phase of Tulsa’s Future at such a critical time in the community,” Jackson said. “We’ll continue to build upon the strong foundation that’s been laid by the Chamber and Tulsa’s Future to fuel job growth, workforce development, innovation and economic prosperity for all northeast Oklahomans.”
Coming from Austin, Texas, Jackson most recently served as senior director of economic development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Jackson worked with companies looking to relocate, supported business retention and expansion efforts, and marketed Austin to potential companies. During his career, Jackson has worked with companies such as Merck, Tesla, Apple and Pfizer to establish their presence in Austin.
“Arthur will be a valued leader in furthering northeast Oklahoma’s economic prosperity,” said Rose Washington, CEO of TEDC Creative Capital and chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “I’m eager to work with him on inclusive, equitable and collaborative growth within our region. We welcome Arthur to Tulsa with arms wide open.”
The selection comes after a nationwide search. The Tulsa Community Foundation COO and Chamber executive committee member Jeff Stava chaired the hiring committee, whose members included Justin McLaughlin, executive vice president and COO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber; Kian Kamas, chief of economic development for the City of Tulsa; regional economic development partners; and members of the Tulsa’s Future steering committee and Chamber Board of Directors.
“I’m greatly impressed with Arthur’s economic development experience in Austin and his work to recruit some of the nation’s biggest corporations,” Stava said. “He will be a great leader and economic development partner who will share Tulsa’s story and grow economic development opportunities for the Tulsa region.”
“We want Tulsa to be a top city when companies are looking to relocate or expand,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “With Arthur’s experience in Austin, he will make an ideal candidate to lead economic development efforts at the Tulsa Regional Chamber and collaborate with the city to make Tulsa globally competitive.”
Tulsa’s Future is a collaborative economic development partnership that works with the City of Tulsa, more than 200 private investors, and numerous regional and tribal partners to further economic prosperity in the Tulsa region. Since its inception 15 years ago, Tulsa’s Future has supported the creation of more than 69,000 jobs and more than $3.8 billion in capital investment.
“Arthur brings incredible economic development experience and knowledge, and he’ll be a tremendous addition to our team and region,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “He’s had fantastic success in Austin, and I’m confident he’ll bring that same success while leading northeast Oklahoma toward post-pandemic prosperity. I also commend Justin McLaughlin for his leadership as interim senior vice president of economic development during an unprecedented year.”