Our staff

from Grow Hays 2022 Annual Report

Message from the director

Doug Williams, Executive Director

Doug joined the Grow Hays Board of Directors in January of 2018 and was named Executive Director in January of 2019. He has a strong entrepreneurial background having founded a number of local companies including System Solutions, Inc, Infinitec, Inc., Medical Business Resources and Williams Real Estate. His extensive real estate experience has proven valuable for providing leadership and insight in Grow Hays housing initiatives.

Ernee Sly, Director of Operations

Ernee joined Grow Hays in 2007 and has served as the organizations Office Manager since that time. In this role Ernee is responsible for day to day activities including event organization and scheduling, management of the BriefSpace coworking space, marketing activities including social media promotion and accounting functions.

David Clingan, Director of Recruitment and Retention

David Clingan joined Grow Hays, Inc. in January 2022 in a newly created position of Director of Recruitment and Retention. He will be responsible for establishing and conducting GHI efforts for recruitment of new organizations to the community including commercial, industrial and retail entities. Duties will also include developing and maintaining relationships with existing businesses to understand needs, ensure retention and explore opportunities for expansion.

James Robben, Director of Business Development and Special Projects

James Robben joined Grow Hays, Inc. in June 2022. In his role as Director of Business Development and Special Projects, James is responsible for assisting entrepreneurs in pursuing their business goals and overseeing the many projects in which Grow Hays is currently involved. These projects include the E-Community loan program, Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, PitchIt Series, TriSpectives Series, The Grove Community Center, and multiple housing developments in our area.