Economic development leader resigns

Three weeks after being placed on administrative leave, Fay-Penn Economic Development Council Executive Director Mike Krajovic resigned from his longtime role.

Council board President Steve Neubauer on Friday released a copy of Krajovic's resignation letter, dated July 20.

“I have been thinking about leaving for quite some time and after careful consideration, I believe my future career interests and passions lie elsewhere. I plan to engage more at a national level to help society make the necessary shifts to build a more sustainable economy and world,” Krajovic wrote.

Krajovic, who worked for the council for 20 years, could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Neubauer declined to elaborate on why the board placed Krajovic on administrative leave on June 29.

He said Michael A. Jordan Jr., a 10-year council employee, most recently as an economic development specialist, has been appointed as the new executive director.

Neubauer said he anticipates formally introducing Jordan and outlining council's future plans next week.

Krajovic attended council's June 22 board meeting, where discussion focused on a planned merger with Fayette Business and Industrial Development Corporation.

Earlier that month, he spoke before Uniontown City Council, whose members voted against supporting “The Democracy Resolution,” a grassroots movement calling for an amendment to the Constitution led by Krajovic and his newly formed organization, Uplifting America.

Krajovic told city council that “The Democracy Resolution” reasserts that the power of the American democracy will rest with the people – not with corporations, organizations or wealthy individuals who spend their money to influence elections.

Krajovic told council he supported the resolution as a private citizen, and that it was not associated with his role at Fay-Penn.

He noted he planned to circulate his resolution nationwide.

“For the past twenty years, I have worked diligently to improve the economic conditions of Fayette County and improve the quality of life for local residents. While much has been accomplished as compiled in the annual report, I do not think there is much more that I can add. I leave the organization on a solid financial foundation and on clear path for future success,” Krajovic's letter continued.

“The accomplishments would have not have been achieved without the hard work and support of the entire organization, especially the board of directors. While this will be a transition for the organization, I believe Fay-Penn will do very well under new leadership with new ideas and directions. I have enjoyed my time with the organization and only wish the best for it in the future,” he said.

“He certainly has been instrumental in building the organization into what it is today. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves on to the national stage. This organization started with nothing and has continued to grow. We are very excited about the future,” Neubauer said.

State Rep. Tim Mahoney said on Friday that he was aware Krajovic was no longer with the council.

Mahoney said he had worked with the development council but not specifically with Krajovic. He said he did not know the circumstances resulting in Krajovic's departure and declined to comment.

County Commissioner Vincent Zapotosky said the council is an autonomous entity and he, too, was unclear about why Krajovic stepped down.

Al Ambrosini, the sole commissioner serving on the council's board, could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Mary Pickels a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-850-2860 or mpickels@tribweb.com.