CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council announced late Thursday they have received a commitment from David “Buck” Dellinger to fill the position of chief executive officer.

The EDC was established in 1996 and promotes local economic growth and development, according to a news release. The EDC also serves as an umbrella agency over the Industrial Development Board, Convention & Visitors Bureau/Visit Clarksville and the Chamber of Commerce.

Dellinger is currently chief development officer and chief operating officer of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) in Nashville. He previously served as garrison commander at Fort Campbell and as chief of staff for the 101st Airborne Division.

He was selected from among 74 applicants after a nationwide search, according to the release.

His selection came in a contentious vote by the EDC board, which initially voted to select another candidate, but later reversed the decision to select Dellinger, in an 8-5 vote.

The position was vacated with the resignation of former CEO Jeff Truitt.

About Dellinger

In his role at MDHA, Dellinger supervises urban development, community development, affordable housing, rental assistance, HR, construction and the recapitalization departments.

Prior to his work with the MDHA, Dellinger served in the Army from 1988 to 2017. He has a Master of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy.

In announcing his selection, the EDC touted his “strong understanding of our community and a compelling sense of leadership.”

“This together with his clear understanding of building local economies through development and re-development efforts as he has accomplished in Nashville, make him an exceptional choice to lead our EDC,” the release said.

Suzanne Langford, EDC chairperson, said the CEO position is important both to the EDC and the community.

“I am thrilled and excited that Buck Dellinger will join our organization and am confident his leadership and experience will greatly benefit our community,” Langford said.

“I am thrilled to rejoin the Clarksville-Montgomery County community,” Dellinger said in the release. “Over the last four years, my focus has been on urban and community development, particularly among diverse groups – I look forward to bringing that expertise to the EDC and cultivating economic development and growth to serve every community member.”

Dellinger will begin his role on June 1.