Former city manager from Texas, business exec joins Sarasota EDC

Erik Zimmer, an executive with experience in profit and nonprofit businesses as well as government organizations, has been named director of investor relations at the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County.

Zimmer, who was the city manager in Alpine, Texas, from 2013 to 2021, will recruit new and retain existing private industry investors in the EDC and serve as a point person in managing those relationships, according to a statement. He will also be responsible for developing diverse revenue streams for the organization and “creating meaningful opportunities for engagement in the mission,” the release adds. 

“I look forward to actively engaging with investors, local businesses, and governmental entities to enhance our regional economy and workforce,” says Zimmer in the release. Zimmer will work alongside the EDC’s community engagement and event specialist, Anna Eger, the organization says, to increase “brand awareness as to what it means to be an Investor with the EDC of Sarasota County.”

Zimmer has more than 20 years of experience in growing organizations, delivering missions and refining operations for Fortune 500 corporations, fast-growing regional businesses, government units and nonprofits. He most recently was director of strategic accounts for Trident Solutions, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to that he was the top non-elected official for Alpine, a city of some 6,000 people in West Texas, 90 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. He also held executive roles for CenturyLink and Qwest Communications. 

“Erik brings a great combination of business and government leadership experience,” EDC President & CEO Erin Silk says in the statement. “He understands what it takes to help a business thrive. He will foster relationships that strengthen the EDC of Sarasota County and have greater impact.”