PHOTO PROVIDED Clinton County Economic Partnership CEO Jason Fitzgerald introduces himself at the Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday morning.

LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County Board of Commissioners heard from the Clinton County Economic Partnership’s recently appointed CEO, Jason Fitzgerald, during its voting session this week.

Following the approval of various agenda items Thursday morning, Chair Jim Russo introduced Fitzgerald.

Russo acknowledged Fitzgerald was taking over the position following the passing of Mike Flanagan in September 2024.

“We lost (Flanagan) last September and in our search (the CCEP board) found a good one we think,” Russo said.

The CCEP Board of Directors announced the appointment of Fitzgerald in early August after almost a year of searching for the right candidate.

Fitzgerald is a 2005 Lock Haven University graduate who earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics. He most recently served as president of Penn Strategies, a statewide grant writing and economic development firm, which he began in 2009.

Fitzgerald told the board he hopes to bring the skills he gathered from his 15 years at Penn Strategies to assist the county.

“I think through that I gained knowledge about how municipalities work, how counties work and also how economic development works,” Fitzgerald said. “We were involved in a number of projects that brought economic opportunities to rural parts of the Commonwealth similar to Clinton County.”

Fitzgerald said he’s excited to undertake the challenge of pushing growth within the county both economically and in terms of tourism.

“I look forward to working with all of you and the officials at the city (of Lock Haven) and local business owners to promote Clinton County not only as a great place to live, work and raise a family but also visit,” he said.

He stressed the importance of tourism within the county, which receives funding through the local hotel tax.

He noted the partnership recently interviewed candidates for its open tourism director position.

“We’re working hard to identify the right person to do that job. To sell the county as a destination for outdoor activities — whether it’s ATVs, hiking or camping — trying to get people to visit here, spend money here and spend time here,” he said.

He further noted the goal of bringing economic development to the county.

“It’s a challenge and I think I’m up to it. I’m excited to undertake it,” he said.

In other business the commissioners:

— Approved a one-year renewal with CDW-G, effective Sept. 8 to Sept. 7, 2026, for Solarwinds for network performance monitoring services at a cost of $931.76.

— Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the county, Potter County and Tioga County regarding initial start-up support for the formation of an NRAT Council of Governments for the maintenance of ATV trails at a contribution cost of $5,000.

— Approved a one-year agreement with Verizon for use of fiber optic lines between the department of emergency services building and Boys Camp 911 tower at a cost of $1,909.80 per month plus a one-time fee of $50.

— Approved a contract renewal between the county and Attorney John Lugg to provide Title IV-D legal representation in conflict cases and in cases requiring independent counsel under the 2025-2030 Title IV-D Cooperative Agreement.

— Approved an agreement between the county and Friends of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail outlining the donation, installation and maintenance of railroad artifacts from the collection of John A. Gummo for display along the BEVT. Commissioner Angela Harding thanked Gummo for providing the artifacts and noted they’ll make a great addition to the trail.

— Approved a lease agreement between the county and the Keystone Central School District for the county’s 2016 Chevrolet Impala, previously used by the sheriff’s department, for instructional use in the district’s Homeland Security Class at a cost of $1 annually.

— Approved contracts between the county and three service providers to provide placement services for Children and Youth Services and juvenile probation effective July 1 through June 30, 2026. The providers are: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services, Inc.; Love 2 Care; and Taylor & Taylor.