Mesquite announces Lexie Woodward as Manager of Economic Development

Lexie Woodward has been hired as the City of Mesquite’s Manager of Economic Development and brings more than six years of community economic development experience to the City. 

City Manager Cliff Keheley said, “Lexie will offer a fresh perspective on our economic development efforts. She will focus on the Business Retention & Expansion Task Force, continued revitalization of the Gus Thomasson Corridor, retail development and other economic vitality areas.”

Woodward said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to share my expertise with the City of Mesquite and continue our mandate of fostering a vibrant economy. Mesquite is an exciting place to be.”

The Business Retention & Expansion Task Force is a partnership of Mesquite’s core economic development stakeholder organizations, including the City of Mesquite, the Mesquite Independent School District, Dallas College, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas and the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. The task force works to support existing employers and employees in the community.

Woodward’s previous experience includes working as the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Rowlett, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Page, Arizona, Planning & Digital Content Fellow for Northwest Illinois’ Blackhawk Hills Regional Council and as the Economic Development Graduate Intern/AmeriCorps Member for the City of Lanark, Illinois.

Woodward earned her Master of Science in Recreation, Park, & Tourism Administration in 2016 through the Peace Corps Fellows Program in Community Development, managed by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, at Western Illinois University. She then graduated from the Midwest Community Development Institute and earned her certification as a Professional Community Economic Developer by the Community Development Council. Woodward also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua.