The Blackwell Industrial Authority Announces Charlene Flanery as the New Executive DirectorNovember 17, 2021 (Blackwell, OK) – The Blackwell Industrial Authority (BIA), Board of Trustees met in a regular scheduled meeting, voting unanimously to approve Charlene Flanery as the organization’s new Executive Director. Ms. Flanery will bring her comprehensive experience in the banking, education and economic development fields along with her grant writing, administration, and leadership skills to BIA and Blackwell Economic Development Authority (BEDA) as the organization(s) continue to focus on business retention and expansion opportunities and industry partnerships to strengthen the Blackwell community and surrounding region.“It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to lead the BIA/BEDA as Executive Director. I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, especially during a time in which we’ve seen such positive growth and changes in Blackwell. I am looking forward to working with local leaders, state members, affiliates, and our industry partners to create opportunities and expand our local and regional economy,” stated Charlene Flanery. “I will continue to leverage BIA/BEDA’s collective board expertise, influence, and collaborative nature to advocate why Blackwell, “America’s Hometown” is the place to build, grow, and thrive.”Ms. Flanery currently serves as the Associate Director for the BIA/BEDA since 2017 where she provides office management, financial, and technical expertise. She is a member of Select Oklahoma (fka Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team), the Center for Workforce Excellence, a new board member of the Northwest Oklahoma Alliance (NWOA), International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and IEDC Young Professionals. She holds a Master’s Degree from Concordia University in Grant Administration, Management, & Writing and a Bachelor’s in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and is a Certified Administrator for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). She is also a 2014 Graduate of Leadership Blackwell. Ms. Flanery will sit for the CEcD exam in early 2022, the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession (IEDC).Flanery will officially begin her duties with BIA/BEDA on January 1, 2022.
