City of Fresno Announces Economic Development Director
FRESNO – Fresno City Manager Bruce Rudd has announced that Larry Westerlund has been named the City of Fresno’s economic development director.
“Supporting business growth and job creation in our community is the most important thing we can do at City Hall,” Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin said. “Larry brings a considerable amount of local business investment and redevelopment experience which is essential for marketing our city as a prime location for new business development and expansion opportunities for existing area businesses.”
Westerlund is a former City of Fresno council member who served two consecutive terms on the council. During his tenure as a council member, he served twice as chairman of the Fresno Redevelopment Agency and a term as vice chairman. Westerlund has been a successful litigator in the area of civil law, as well as real estate and employment matters.
As the economic development director, Westerlund will work closely with local businesses who need help expanding, and recruiting new businesses to Fresno.
“Larry knows how to navigate through the challenges that can keep businesses from expanding in Fresno,” Rudd said. “I am confident he will work well with the Swearengin Administration and help find creative approaches to stimulate economic expansion in our city.”
“I am truly honored and very excited to get a chance to work with Mayor Swearengin and the residents of Fresno as the director of Economic Development,” Westerlund said. ”I am passionate about helping businesses do what they do best; make products, provide services and create jobs.”
Westerlund holds a juris doctorate from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, California and a bachelor’s degree in political science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. He served in the United States Navy for 24 years and retired as a lieutenant commander. His base salary will be $80,000.