Bartow is seeking a new CRA director after Erik Webster Rashad left in April

Paul Nutcher, The Ledger
·2 min read

Bartow has been conducting a search to replace its former Community Redevelopment Agency director after the city's former director, Erik Webster Rashad, left his post in early April.

The timing of his departure was during the same month the City Commission selected Green Mills Group as the developer for the East End Catalyst, but the project did not have anything to do with his departure, he said.

According to Rashad, he left after he had requested a four-month leave of absence. He said he wanted to further his education and to coach basketball with the Vietnam National Basketball Team during their upcoming Southeast Asian Games.

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“The request was granted by my board, but denied by the City Manager (Mike Herr),” Rashad said via a Facebook message to a Ledger reporter. He said Herr told him the city was short staffed and needed someone in the position.

Attempts to reach Herr by phone were unsuccessful.

“I have nothing but admiration and appreciation for the staff and administrators, City Commissioners and Mayor of the City of Bartow who gave me their support including City Manager Mike Herr who was my champion and gave me opportunities to fully engage in in City governance beyond my position of Executive Director of the Bartow CRA,” Rashad said via Messenger.

Rashad said he would be interested in returning to Bartow: “The door is not closed to me returning in some capacity if available, which speaks of the appreciation of my work during my 7 month tenure.”

The recently advertised CRA director position offers a salary range of $79,643 to $112,536, depending on qualifications, and offers benefits, health and life insurance and a defined-benefit pension after six years of service. The application deadline, which was originally set for Monday, has been extended to June 2.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Bartow seeking a new CRA director. Application deadline was Monday