Michelle Kakacek hired as new executive director of Watertown Development Company

Michelle Kakacek has been hired as the new executive director of the Watertown Development Company.

She will begin her job immediately, according to a news release from the agency.

Kakacek has more than seven years of experience in economic development as the Watertown Development Company's director of business development. In that role, she was involved in industrial business retention and expansion, per the release.

Kakacek led the Workforce Development program, working with the Watertown Workforce Advisory Council and other local stakeholders to develop programs designed to recruit and retain workers. She also had an active role in the revitalization of downtown Watertown.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to lead the WDC and look forward to continuing the organization’s proven track record of furthering the economic prosperity of the Watertown area,” Kakacek said in the release.

More: Mark Vaux, executive director of Watertown Development Co., resigns

"Michelle’s credentials, experience and personality make her an excellent leader for economic development in Watertown,” Board Chairman Jim Redlinger said in a news release. "She has demonstrated success in all facets of economic development, business development and community leadership. We are very excited to have someone of her ability leading the WDC.”

Kakacek replaces Mark Vaux, who resigned as executive director of the development company in December, according to a news release from the agency issued at that time. He was hired in April 2021.

Kakacek was named interim executive director after Vaux resigned.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Watertown Development Company announces new executive director