Eversley lands new gig in Conn.

Donald C. Eversley, the former president of the Providence Economic Development Partnership, has landed a new job, as director of planning and economic-development in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Here's the word:

“Providence is frequently mentioned as a city that has experienced an economic development renaissance and Don has been in the thick of the planning and implementation of that city’s economic development strategies,” said Mayor Finch. “Our search for a Planning and Economic Development director attracted a number of impressive candidates, but none were better suited for our development mission and challenges than Don Eversley. I am thrilled that he has agreed to join us so he can help bring the success of Providence here to Bridgeport.”

Eversley is currently lead consultant of Progress Capital, LLC, a boutique finance and strategy firm in Providence. From January 2004 to August 2007 he was the president of the Providence Economic Development Partnership, Inc. (PEDP), which operates a commercial loan program, provides technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses, and advises the Providence municipal leadership on economic development strategy. Eversley was responsible for $50 million worth of small business and economic development projects, financing 500,000 square feet of commercial real estate, and attracting dozens of new downtown businesses.

“Bridgeport has faced some great challenges over the last few decades, but considerable progress is underway and I believe there is almost unlimited potential, which is a dream opportunity for any economic developer,” said Eversley.

In June 2007, I reported on how Mayor David N. Cicilline led the effort not to renew Eversley's contract in Providence, after he had been earlier introduced with much acclaim.