I am pleased to announce the selection of current Provo City Economic Development Division Director Dixon Holmes as the City’s new Assistant Chief Administrative Officer.
Dixon has led the city’s Economic Development efforts over the past 10 years, playing a vital role in the development of the Mountain Vista Business Center, the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Duncan Aviation complex and other job-creation projects in our community. Before that, he served as the Assistant Economic Development Director and Zoning Administrator for Provo.
The Assistant CAO role is new to Provo, but has been seen as a critical need by previous mayors for many years. “Dixon brings a breadth of experience in issues facing Provo,” said CAO Wayne Parker, “and will now be able to apply that experience in a broader context, ensuring this new position will serve its intended purpose of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of city administrative functions for our citizens.”
The Economic Development Division recently became part of the City’s new Development Services Department, and the new director of the department, Bill Peperone, will work with Dixon to ensure a smooth transition. The restructuring leaves two vacancies in the department with Peperone currently evaluating the necessary skill set needed to continue the successful work of promoting existing businesses and attracting new economic assets to Provo.
In the interim, Redevelopment Agency Director David Walter has been asked to be the acting Economic Development Division Director and will continue to work on current projects, maintaining the forward momentum created under Dixon’s leadership.
“I look forward to the new challenge and opportunity to advance Provo’s vision in this new capacity,” said Dixon. “Providing necessary support to CAO Wayne Parker, one of the longest-serving and well-respected administrators in Utah, will enable us to better position Provo for future opportunities.”