ELIZABETH THORNTON Pending contract negotiations, Fairfield city council members voted last week to hire Elizabeth Thornton as the city's new community development coordinator.

The job comes with a starting salary of $41,600.

The decision was made at a special called meeting of the council on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

After speaking with Ms. Thornton, a contract will be presented to city officials at the next council meeting set Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

The new coordinator will act as a central liaison between city-wide organiand zations, coordinating efforts and activities so as to better support the city and its goals.

The job hunt began a couple of months ago, and culminated with three finalists: Ms. Thornton, Joanna Fritz and Dawn Newman.

Ms. Thornton lives in Fairfield, and works at Tarrant County College as manager of facilities development. Since 1984, she has served in several capacities at the college including executive director of corporate services and workforce training, dean of corporate services, dean and coordinator of continuing education and economic development.

For four years prior to 1984, Ms. Thornton served as registrar and dean of admissions at Oklahoma City Community College, and before that, as registrar and assistant dean of academics at Oklahoma City Southwestern College.

Her education includes an associate of science degree from Southwestern College in Oklahoma City in 1973, a bachelor of science from Central State University in Edmond, Okla. in 1980, and a master of science degree from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1982.

Ms. Thornton notes her qualifications and skills include writing grant applications and tracking projects to completion, establishing and maintaining links with the business community and supporting chamber and city officials with economic development activities to both attract and retain businesses.

She says she can plan and coordinate the implementation of events for the community, develop and execute marketing plans, and maintain successful and positive relationships with regional and local governments, civic groups, the private sector and the general public.

Activities and awards earned by Ms. Thornton include president of Leadership Fort Worth, 2007 to 2009, and member of the board of directors since 2002, as well as membership in Who's Who, Outstanding Young Women of America, and awards from National Workforce Development and Partners in Workforce Excellence.

She is a member of the chambers of commerce in Arlington, Grand Prairie, Northeast Tarrant County, Mansfield and Fort Worth, and a Rotary Club member.

Ms. Thornton volunteers with Main Street Arts Festival, March of Dimes, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the Fort Worth ISD GED/Literacy Council and Mentoring Program.