Darryl Washington is a little more than half a year into his job as Director of Economic Development for the City of Montgomery, but despite his short tenure, he’s already made some big plans to propel the capital city forward.
Here, Darryl Washington outlines what he does, how it benefits local businesses and chats about his life outside the office.
How does your department and your work benefit Montgomery residents and businesses?
The primary role of the economic development department is to implement policies and administer programs and projects that: create high-quality jobs, produce vibrant business districts and provide technical assistance to retain and expand both existing and prospective Montgomery businesses. In a nutshell, we strive to be a key catalyst, analyst, advocate consultant and gap filler for all Montgomery businesses.
What’s the city’s biggest selling point for economic development?
I’d say Montgomery’s biggest selling points are
- Its location- multiple interstate access points, rail and the most central point in Alabama.
- Its points of tourism interest:
- Civil Rights sites (Selma to Montgomery Trail, EJI, Dexter Avenue, State Archives, Capital)
- Riverfront
- Whitewater (coming in 2023)
- Its industrial hub status for companies like:
- Hyundai
- Mobis
- Inland port
- Amazon
- Manna
- Its military presence.
- Its workforce development infrastructure:
What does leadership look like to you?
One of many mentors taught me years ago that the best way to lead is by example. When you are passionate about mastering your craft, when you display compassion and respect for others, it is indeed contagious.
When juggling roles and responsibilities, what’s your trick for getting and staying focused?
My trick is to prioritize and break large projects into small tasks. Each small task you accomplish empowers you to take on the next small task until you reach your goal.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten?
In order to achieve greatness, you must embrace change and always challenge the status quo.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being a husband to a caring and beautiful wife and father to four awesome children.
What makes you most proud to live in Central AL?
The area’s strong sense of history, resilience and community pride.
Personal Matters
- First job: Being a newspaper carrier when I was 10 years old.
- Most played music: Bob Marley, Steely Dan, OutKast, Michael Franks, Tribe Called Quest, Brand Nubian and Talib Kweli are constants in my rotation.
- One thing you’d change about yourself: I’d be 6 feet, 6 inches tall finishing up a long basketball career playing for my favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Hobbies: Mountain biking, hiking and fantasy football.
- Food you couldn\’t live without: Buffalo wings
