RDA names two directors to bolster redevelopment staffing

The Vineyard Redevelopment Agency voted Sept. 15 to appoint Rob Sant and Steven Proud as RDA directors, a move the board said is meant to strengthen capacity for redevelopment work and oversight. Chair said the agency received many applicants and that the board concluded two complementary director roles would better serve the RDA’s workload: one focused on finance and reporting, the other on economic development and environmental issues. "We had a lot of great applicants, and we we went through a series of interviews and rounds of interviews, and we really landed on, 2," the Chair said, and introduced "Rob Sant and Steven Proud, which both of these gentlemen are here this evening."

Board members framed the appointments as a response to a persistent staffing shortfall. "Our RDA had been understaffed and under cared for for a long time," Board member 2 said, noting that understaffing contributed to citizen complaints and limited the agency’s ability to pursue redevelopment opportunities. The board discussed dividing responsibilities so each director could play to their strengths: the Chair described Rob Sant as leading financial management and reporting functions while Steven Proud will focus on economic development and environmental work. The motion to appoint the two directors was moved by Board member 5 and seconded ("2nd by Councilman McCumber" was recorded); the board approved the appointments by voice vote. The board plans to convene the new directors and the RDA advisers at a meeting in roughly two weeks to set schedules and coordinate work.