After poring over resumés and conducting interviews for weeks, the board of directors of the Marshall Economic Development Corp. has named a new executive director.

Donna Maisel, who has served as vice president of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corp. since 2004, will take over the reins of the local organization effective Sept. 22.

Ms. Maisel, who has been with NEDCO since 1999, succeeds Cliff Todd, who resigned as the MEDCO executive director last month to accept a position with a local industry.

"We had a very good field of candidates from all over Texas and beyond," said Alan Grantham, chairman of the MEDCO board of directors. "Making this selection has taken a lot of hard work and dedication by this board and I believe we have identified the person who can do the job for us here in Marshall."

Bill Marshall, board vice chairman, pointed out that the board conducted more than 10 interviews during the selection process.

"That goes to the number of quality applicants we had," Grantham added.

Ms. Maisel, who was not in attendance at Tuesday's meeting, comes to MEDCO with a background in municipal government, both at the city and county levels. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and is a Certified Economic Developer. She's a member of the Nacogdoches Rotary Club and the Business and Professional Women, among other civic activities.

As executive director, Ms. Maisel will be paid $7,500 per month, or $90,000 annually, plus a car allowance, vacation and sick leave in accordance with MEDCO policy.

In a related matter, the board voted to pay former director Todd a $3,700 bonus, "less applicable taxes," in appreciation for his work in assisting MEDCO during the transition period between executive directors.

"Cliff always had a very conscientious approach to his job and he carried that professionalism and commitment all the way through," Grantham said. "He worked hard for MEDCO right to the end, even leaving some vacation time on the table when he left."

The board also ratified a contract with Theressa Hudson, who has been working at MEDCO as an independent contractor, to give "a little help in the period of transition," according to Grantham.

Ms. Hudson will work as a temporary coordinator for an initial four-week period at $20 per hour.

Grantham added that, in the absence of an executive director, he has had discussions with several industries concerning development in the Marshall area. "The new director will have some things to chew on when she comes on board," he said.