JOHN COFFELTEditor

Coffee County Industrial Board Executive Director Stephen Crook left his position Friday to accept a job with the state.

Crook announced the move at the Industrial Board Feb. 28 meeting. He has accepted a position with the Tennessee Department of Economic Development as an Economic Development Project Manager.

“I’ve accepted the position with a heavy heart and bittersweet emotions,” Crook said. “I look forward in this new role being able to serve projects in Coffee County.”

He said he felt the state wanted for the position a person versed in Coffee County projects.

Director of Operations Anne Hosea-Majors and Economic Development Coordinator Madeline McLaughlin.

Crook said that he is confident in the next phase of the industrial board.

Industrial Board Chairman David Young said that Crook has a lot of talent and experience.

“He’s going to move on up the ladder in the state’s economic group,” Young said. “We are very proud for him and his family. We are very appreciative of the experience we’ve had so far.”

Young announced that an Industrial Board hiring committee was formed with members Cam Newton, William Huel Goldston and Sherry Douglas. An interview committee adds Jamie Colley and Brent Parsley.

Young said that the board will follow the same director search process as last time with a nation-wide search. The hiring committee has begun its search.

“We got great results last time,” Young said. We expect great results this time.”

Crook accepted the position in January of 2022.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.