FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams Announces Retirement

Board of Directors opens search for next leader of Ellis County’s economic development organization

HAYS, Kan. — Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, Inc., has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2026. The Grow Hays Board of Directors has begun a search for his successor and is now accepting applications.

Williams has led Grow Hays since 2018.

“Doug has been a tireless advocate for Ellis County, and our community is stronger because of his work,” said Kris Munsch, chairman of the Grow Hays Board of Directors. “Under his leadership, Grow Hays has been the driving force behind numerous projects including the Grow Hays MicroFactory, the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center, Tallgrass Commons and The Grove housing developments, and the origination of more than $3 million in small business loans for over 40 small businesses. These projects and activities will benefit our community for decades. On behalf of the board, I want to thank Doug for his service. We’re now looking for an executive director who can build on that momentum and help lead Ellis County’s next chapter of growth.”

“Serving Ellis County through Grow Hays has been one of the great privileges of my career,” said Williams. “None of what we’ve accomplished could have been achieved without a committed board of directors, an amazing staff, and dedicated partners including the cities of Hays, Ellis, Victoria, Ellis County, and many organizations in the private sector who believe in this community. I am confident that the future of Grow Hays and all of Ellis County is a bright one.”

The executive director is Grow Hays’ chief executive and reports to the Board of Directors. The position leads business attraction, retention, and expansion, incentive and financing packages, and workforce and housing initiatives, and serves as the organization’s primary liaison with local, regional, and state partners.

The full job description is available at www.growhays.com. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to [email protected], with the subject line “Grow Hays Executive Director – [Your Name].” Grow Hays will accept applications until Oct. 21, 2026. Review of applications will begin Oct. 15, 2026.