OWENSBORO, Ky. (Sept. 21, 2017) — The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) announced the appointment of Mark S. Snell as president and CEO, effective Oct. 9. Snell, who is a native of Owensboro, was selected through a national search process.
“The GOEDC board has developed a robust five-year strategy to make Owensboro the most business-friendly region in the country. I am delighted to have this opportunity to bring my strategic vision and my international business and leadership expertise to help take my hometown to the next level,” Snell said following the appointment.
Snell added, “I helped build an expansion to the Executive Inn as one of my summer jobs. I am gratified to see the positive changes and growth that have taken place in my hometown since then.”
“Mark brings a private sector, international perspective to the GOEDC and has a passion for improving the business environment in his hometown”, said Terry Naulty, Chair of GOEDC. “We look forward to working with Mark and are excited to draw upon his experience, knowledge and leadership to further GOEDC’s vision for Owensboro and the surrounding region.”
Snell replaces Madison Silvert who resigned earlier this year to pursue a private sector opportunity.
“On behalf of the GOEDC board of directors, I want to express our great appreciation to Helen Mountjoy for serving as our interim CEO,” said Terry Naulty.
Snell graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School and attended Brescia University. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a B.A. in government, and from U.K. College of Law, with honors, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of The Kentucky Law Journal. He served as news director for WOMI – WBKR, and public affairs director for the Green River Area Development District (GRADD).
The Houston-based international law firm of Baker Botts recruited Snell from the University of Kentucky School of Law. He recently retired as a senior executive of BP plc, having held both divisional general counsel and business division CEO positions during his 20-year career with BP.
Snell has been involved in the Houston community, being named “One of Five Outstanding Young Houstonians”, a regional finalist for the White House Fellowship Program, and a graduate of Leadership Houston. He is married to Laura with two sons, Stephen and Jack.
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