The search for an economic development leader overseeing Destination Medical Center — the multibillion dollar project intended to transform Rochester, Minn., into a global medical hub — was anticipated to take two months. It's taken nearly a year.
DMC is looking for a full-time executive director to lead its Economic Development Agency, which is charged with developing, marketing and implementing the DMC development plan. Filling the role in the interim is Lisa Clarke, a member of the EDA board, liaison to Mayo Clinic's DMC oversight committee and head of community engagement for Mayo Clinic's department of public affairs.
The hiring decision is the responsibility of the EDA board of directors, which includes five other individuals in addition to Ms. Clarke. A draft of DMC's development plan stated "the EDA does not intend to bring permanent staff onto the project until 2015" and "it is anticipated the executive director will be the first hire."
Ads for the job went up in February 2013 under the working plan to fill the position by April. The search process for the position has so far cost more than $13,000, according to a Post Bulletin report. Three candidates visited Rochester with interest in the position, and the EDA board did offer the job to one finalist. That person did not accept the job, however, after choosing not to relocate to Rochester.
More articles on Destination Medical Center:
Mayo Clinic to add up to 1,000 physicians with Destination Medical Center
Mayo Clinic announces $5B economic development plan
12 things to know about Mayo Clinic