Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) has hired Katherine Kirkpatrick as its new marketing and business development director.
With extensive corporate marketing experience and a passion for economic growth in East Texas, Kirkpatrick is passionate about advancing Kilgore's business climate.
“Katherine Kirkpatrick's business development skills and growth-oriented mindset align perfectly with KEDC's mission to foster regional economic vitality and business expansion,” said Executive Director Lisa Denton. “Her arrival underscores our commitment to strengthening our outreach to executives involved in site selection for businesses.”
Kirkpatrick, who previously served as vice president of marketing for Agricultural Resource Management and chief marketing officer for New Alternative Green Energy, boasts 15 years of award-winning marketing leadership. Notably, her recent work won the 2024 National Agricultural Marketing Association Best of NAMA Award in Public Relations.
Over the past five years, KEDC has closed more than $290 million in new and retained investments and created approximately 2,500 jobs. As the DFW Metroplex expands geographically, Kilgore's proximity to Dallas and Shreveport has become increasingly attractive as companies recognize the region's location advantages, low operating costs, and deep talent pool. It heralds a new era of opportunity.
“I’m excited to join the dynamic team at KEDC, support this vibrant community, and showcase the great benefits Kilgore offers businesses,” said Kirkpatrick. “As someone who recently chose this area to live, I can attest to its rich natural beauty, attractive can-do service culture, and vibrant business environment. ”
“I say to CEOs, 'Plan a visit so you can understand how your company can benefit from being located here,'” Kirk said. Patrick added.
