FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 21, 2011

Gawf to be Cary's First Downtown Manager

CARY, NC – Cary Town Manager Ben Shivar has selected George “Ed” Gawf to serve as the community’s first Downtown Manager. Gawf has been working in the field for 40 years and was Shivar’s top pick from a pool of 280 applicants from as far away as Washington, Wisconsin, Texas, Maine, and Florida.  Gawf and his wife will relocate to Cary from Scottsdale, AZ, where he is a partner with G and G Consulting, a planning and development firm.  His first day on the job with Cary will be March 21, 2011.

“Ed’s vast public and private sector experience and high-profile successes will be invaluable as he helps lead our efforts to develop a vision for downtown and the strategies to make that vision a reality,” said Town Manager Ben Shivar, who noted that Gawf was integral in energizing downtowns in Boulder, CO, Palo Alto, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ.

As the Town of Cary’s first Downtown Manager, Gawf will serve as the Town’s key contact for those interested in downtown development and encourage downtown development by recruiting businesses and promoting economic opportunities.  A resource to developers, businesses, and residents, Gawf will work with potential tenants and brokers to explore downtown real estate options, explain Town policies and procedures, and convey the needs and desires of downtown stakeholders to Town officials.  He will also be part of the staff team that assists with planning and prioritizing downtown capital improvements, including identifying and recommending property acquisitions and sales.

“Cary is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the nation, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work with the community to bring more vibrancy to the heart of this great town,” said Gawf.

Gawf’s range of expertise includes city planning, downtown revitalization, downtown master planning, development entitlements, land use regulations, environmental programs, and organizational development.  He is a charter member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and has a BA and MA from Oklahoma State University.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: 
Ben Shivar, Town Manager, (919) 469-4007
Mike Bajorek, Assistant Town Manager, (919) 469-4003
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 460-4951