Cercone tapped as finalist for CDC executive director

Members of the County Development Commission are interested in filling the vacant executive director position with one candidate from a pool of exceptional choices. The board was waiting to see if their top choice is still interested in the job. Now that Joe Cercone of Rogers City has been selected as the finalist, he wanted to know more about what the duties of executive director will entail.

“We are hopeful, be

cause he is an excellent candidate,” said CDC chairman Andy Hayhoe. “We couldn’t ask for anyone better, in terms of qualifications. The original list of 19 candidates was narrowed to three. Of the first two interviews, Cercone’s experience stood out, so he was offered the job. “One of the reasons we liked Joe a lot is that he is very diligent,” said Hayhoe. “He is not just going to jump into something without knowing what he is getting into.” A final recommendation would have to go before the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners for their final endorsement.

“We’ve had pretty good luck every time, but this time we were especially lucky,” he said. “We had a few other people that were exceptional.? So, if Cercone declines the offer, there are some solid candidates to fall back on. The CDC is trying to replace former director, William Valentine, who moved overseas to pursue other business interests.