Edwin Gaskin is making the leap from real estate development to economic development.
Last week, Gaskin was named head of economic development in Hanover County.
His appointment marks Gaskin’s return to the public sector, which he left for real estate development in 2004.
Prior to founding Echelon Resources, Gaskin, 39, worked as deputy director of economic development for the City of Richmond.
He has since been working mostly on historic rehabilitation developments across the state. Echelon’s local projects include the rehab of the Berry-Burk Building in downtown Richmond and the old Richmond Memorial Hospital.
“Most of my real estate ventures involved tackling properties that perplexed the localities in some form or fashion,” Gaskin said.
Because of that, Gaskin said, he was never too far removed from working with local governments.
Gaskin said he recognizes that the economy is in a different state than when he left municipal economic development seven years ago.
“We’re coming out of a recession, and we need to be continuing to the lay the foundation for smart growth,” Gaskin said. “The recession has had us all sharpen our pencils and refine our investment strategies. All of us.”
Cecil R. Harris, county administrator in Hanover, said it was Gaskin’s experience on both sides of the table that helped him beat out 27 applicants for the job.
Gaskin, who fills a vacancy left by the death of Marc Weiss in April, will look to help the county land what can be elusive prize these days: new jobs.
“As with everybody right now, we’re certainly working very hard to try to get some jobs created here in Hanover County,” said Harris. “There are leads out there.”
Once Gaskin takes the helm Sept. 1, the management and ownership of Echelon’s various properties will be handled by Gaskin’s investment partners.
Michael Schwartz is a BizSense reporter. Please send news tips to [email protected].
Edwin Gaskin is making the leap from real estate development to economic development.
Last week, Gaskin was named head of economic development in Hanover County.
His appointment marks Gaskin’s return to the public sector, which he left for real estate development in 2004.
Prior to founding Echelon Resources, Gaskin, 39, worked as deputy director of economic development for the City of Richmond.
He has since been working mostly on historic rehabilitation developments across the state. Echelon’s local projects include the rehab of the Berry-Burk Building in downtown Richmond and the old Richmond Memorial Hospital.
“Most of my real estate ventures involved tackling properties that perplexed the localities in some form or fashion,” Gaskin said.
Because of that, Gaskin said, he was never too far removed from working with local governments.
Gaskin said he recognizes that the economy is in a different state than when he left municipal economic development seven years ago.
“We’re coming out of a recession, and we need to be continuing to the lay the foundation for smart growth,” Gaskin said. “The recession has had us all sharpen our pencils and refine our investment strategies. All of us.”
Cecil R. Harris, county administrator in Hanover, said it was Gaskin’s experience on both sides of the table that helped him beat out 27 applicants for the job.
Gaskin, who fills a vacancy left by the death of Marc Weiss in April, will look to help the county land what can be elusive prize these days: new jobs.
“As with everybody right now, we’re certainly working very hard to try to get some jobs created here in Hanover County,” said Harris. “There are leads out there.”
Once Gaskin takes the helm Sept. 1, the management and ownership of Echelon’s various properties will be handled by Gaskin’s investment partners.
Michael Schwartz is a BizSense reporter. Please send news tips to [email protected].
I’m really disappointed Hanover did not appoint the acting director, who has been the deputy director for years. SHE knows more about economic development in Hanover than this man, but I guess Hanover isn’t ready for a woman in a position of power.
Cindy, please don’t discount Edwin Gaskins until you see what he can do. He has experience and expertise and he may be just what the closed minds of Hanover County need to open to new creative thinking. He’s smart, articulate and has been quite sucessful in his own development endeavors. Good Luck, Edwin!
Congratulations, Edwin! Hanover County will benefit greatly from your experience in both the public and private sector.