The City of Dayton has a new economic development director. Chris Jarmon officially joined the city on Monday, Aug. 18, and, according to City Manager Derek Woods, he has “hit the ground running.”
“I am excited to have him because of the experience he brings to the table. I am excited to have the help. He is well credentialed and has a great attitude,” Woods said.
Until recently, Woods was overseeing Dayton’s economic development efforts himself while also serving as interim city manager. After being named city manager earlier this year, he said it quickly became clear that the community would benefit from a dedicated professional in the role.
“It wasn’t beneficial for me to be doing both roles. It needed a dedicated person for that role and Chris is filling that void for me,” Woods said.
Already, Jarmon is immersing himself in Dayton’s major projects, including the Gulf Inland Industrial Park. Woods said he is also focusing on retail recruitment, which is critical as new residential growth continues in the city.
“We have the rooftops coming into Dayton, but we need the businesses and places for people to work so they don’t have to travel outside the area,” Woods explained.
Jarmon, a native of Beaumont, Texas, comes to Dayton with an extensive background in municipal government. He previously served as assistant city manager for the City of Liberty, where his primary focus was on economic development. Before that, he worked for four years as executive assistant to the city manager for the City of Beaumont.
He holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Lamar University and a master’s degree in public administration from Texas A&M University.
Jarmon and his wife, Autumn, are raising two children.