Business and community leader Gregg McArthur tabbed Director of Economic Development

Following an extensive search, the St. George Area Economic Development (SGAED) council did not have to go far to identify its new Director. A selection committee comprised of SGAED Board Members chose local business leader and current St. George City Council member Gregg McArthur as its new Director of Economic Development.

Rusty Hughes, who has served as Interim Director since March, was named Deputy Director.

“With Gregg McArthur’s leadership as the new Director and Rusty Hughes’ experience, I believe our organization will move to a new level and we will see significant growth in quality jobs and investment in Washington County,” said LaDel Laub, SGAED Board Chair. “We have made great progress in our relationships with the Economic Development Council of Utah and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in the past few months. We will continue to build on that momentum moving forward.”

McArthur begins his new role in mid-July and will have a number of duties, including new business recruitment, facilitating existing business retention and expansion, building upon existing relationships with community and state leaders, and executing the annual Economic Summit, which takes place at the Dixie Convention Center every January.

“I am excited to join Rusty Hughes and the Board of Directors of the St. George Area Economic Development council in working to help cultivate economic growth in our area,” McArthur said. “I absolutely love our community. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity.”

McArthur’s contributions to the region are numerous. He served as President and CEO of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly seven years and since 2017 has been the Director of Hospitality at NAI Excel, a commercial real estate company. In January 2020, he began a four-year term on the St. George City Council.

McArthur earned a bachelors’ degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree from Southern Utah University and an associate degree from Dixie State University. He and his wife Leslie live in St. George.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Gregg when he was leading the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, then as a commercial real estate broker and currently as a city council member,” added St. George Mayor Jon Pike. “In each of these roles, I have found Gregg to be energetic, collaborative and professional. I’m excited for the new chapter ahead with Gregg McArthur leading St. George Area Economic Development.”