Robert “Rocky” Scott, president and chief executive of the Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp., is leaving after 16 years to work for McWhinney Enterprises, a Loveland development company.
Scott, 57, will become principal and senior vice president of office and industrial development at McWhinney. He plans to begin his new position in June, to spend more time with his adult children living in northern Colorado.
“These economic development jobs are very rewarding but also require a lot of time,” he said.
Scott was well-known in Colorado Springs for his successful wooing of companies such as Apple and MCI to the area. During his tenure, the development group brought more than 42,000 jobs to the city.
“Most of my effort has been pulling the community together to create a fabric that’s cohesive,” he said.
His primary focus at Mc Whinney will be Centerra, a 3,000-acre development at Interstate 25 and U.S. 34. It will include a hospital, 5,100 homes, a mall, big-box stores and other commercial space. Scott will be responsible for filling up to 9 million square feet of commercial space.
Douglas Hill, principal and chief operating officer for McWhinney Enterprises, said Scott’s experience in business and economic development is valuable to the company.
“We approached him a few months ago and felt he would be the most talented candidate for the position,” Hill said. “He is very much aligned with the core mission, vision and value of McWhinney Enterprises.”
The Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp. is putting together a transition plan, which will include appointing an interim CEO. Scott said while there are “some good candidates internally,” he’s recommending that the group launch a national search for his successor.
Staff writer Kimberly Johnson can be reached at 303-820-1088 or kjohnson@denverpost.com.
