Coastal Gateway Economic Development Alliance will soon be looking for a new executive director.

Jim Searcy will resign his position as executive director at CGEDA effective July 5 to take a position as executive director at the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

The EDAA is a membership-based organization with the mission to promote economic growth throughout the state.

Members of EDAA are economic development professionals, as well as companies and individuals in related economic development fields.

Searcy will be responsible for further implementing the association’s current strategic plan and identifying additional opportunities for professional development, meaningful legislative action, and enhanced communications.

“We are appreciative of the contributions Jim has made as CGEDA Executive Director and wish him well in his new position,” said Larry Woods, chairman of CGEDA. “Jim has provided the organization with a strong base in which to go forward. His confidence remains strong in the Coastal Gateway area and its regional approach to economic development.”

Searcy said he believes in the regional approach of Coastal Gateway.

“My time at Coastal Gateway has been rewarding both personally and professionally,” he said. “I remain convinced that a regional approach to economic development is the most effective means to create sustainable economic growth in each of our five counties.”

CGEDA is made of up the counties of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe. Its board of directors consist of investors from the public and private sectors.