EDC weighs options to replace departing analyst after Crossman announces new job

The Old Lyme Economic Development Commission opened its meeting by announcing that its economic development analyst, Anthony Crossman, is leaving for a full-time position. The chair called Crossman's work "exemplary" and said Crossman will provide a database and an exit document to help a successor.

"Anthony has done an exemplary job while he was with us," the chair said, thanking the analyst and noting the commission would circulate his notes and the spreadsheet database. Commissioners debated recruiting strategies: one proposal favored an undergraduate intern, while another recommended hiring a senior or retiree who could provide continuity.

One commissioner expressed frustration at not being included in an earlier debrief and reiterated opposition to hiring an analyst without seeing the work product. "I have been against us hiring an analyst ... and right now I have to say I'm extremely frustrated that I am not privy to ... what you've been able to accomplish over the last ... weeks," the commissioner said, asking that the database be shared with all commissioners.

Commissioners suggested multiple outreach options for recruitment, including listing the position on RiverCOG, consulting HR/legal about permissible steps, and contacting community contacts. The chair and commissioners agreed the immediate next steps are to circulate Crossman's exit materials and the database so the commission can make an informed decision about staffing.