Scott Cooper, town economic development director for the past five years, completed his last day on the job Thursday, March 14.

He accepted a new position as executive director for the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, (MEDP) a public/private partnership in the town of McMinnville, Oregon.

He starts his new position March 25. McMinnville is the county seat of the largest city (about 34,000 residents) in Yamhill County, Willamette Valley. The area is about 35 miles southwest of Portland.

“I have enjoyed my time in Fountain Hills immensely,” said Cooper. “It is always tough to leave.”

Michael Martella, town economic development analyst, will be acting director of the department.

“While we were fortunate to have many qualified applicants to choose from, the board is confident that Scott’s experience and personality will have an immediate and positive impact on the future of economic development in McMinnville,” MEDP board chair Kelly McDonald said in announcing Cooper’s appointment.

Cooper moves to the new position with more than 20 years of economic development experience.

MEDP credited Cooper’s experience of providing economic development for both small and large communities from the town of DeWitt, Iowa, a community of 5,218, to Scottsdale, whose population is 249,950.

MEDP also cited his successful new economic development projects and expansions resulting in more than $200 million in capital investment.

MEDP credited Cooper’s establishment of East Valley Institute of Technology business accelerator and co-working space for job creation and entrepreneurial development.

The accelerator is a partnership with the town, East Valley Institute of Technology and JumpStartBiz Arizona Business Advisors and provides networking, student interaction, workspace and business advice.

Cooper was recognized as a certified economic developer by the International Economic Development Council.

Cooper said he and his wife, Rashell, had visited the McMinnville region multiple times. Although he had not actually sought employment, Cooper said he expressed interest in applying if any opportunities in his field arise.

“And then this opportunity came up,” Cooper said.