Hunter Harrington — who previously worked with Mitchell Companies, Curio Brands and Learfield Sports — was named the Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s new director of membership development Thursday.
Harrington replaces Heath Barret, who left for a similar role in Virginia last month. The Partnership did not announce a starting date for Harrington in its announcement.
In her new role, Harrington will coordinate professional development and promotion of the business community through educational seminars, workshops and events, and serve as a liaison for businesses and organizations by promoting community news.
“I am excited to step into the membership development position but have big shoes to fill. Heath Barret did an excellent job in growing membership and expanding professional development opportunities for new and existing businesses,” Harrington said in a release. “I am looking to continue that growth and seek out new ways for us to promote the success of new business and industry in our community.”
Harrington, who earned degrees from Mississippi State University, also has internship experience with the College of Charleston Athletic Department and the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Her hire is the first personnel move in which new GSDP Chief Executive Officer Scott Maynard reached outside of the Partnership’s ranks since he assumed his role in July.
Previously, he appointed Jennifer Prather as the group’s tourism director, a role in which she previously served on an interim basis.
“We are very excited to name Hunter to this role. She brings a level of experience to the position that we were seeking,” Maynard said of Harrington in the release. “We are looking forward to having her become an active part of the Partnership and our community.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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