The Hutto Economic Development Corp. hired a new president and CEO, the company announced Aug. 4. Tim Chase, former president of the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition in Kansas, was selected from a international pool of 43 applicants, according to a HEDC press release. HEDC Board Chairman Mario Perez said Chase will provide valuable economic development experience and leadership. "As one of only 25 accredited [International Economic Development Council] entities, it was important that we conduct a meticulous and extensive search for the right person to lead our development efforts,” Perez said in a statement. “Tim has the background, energy and passion that will set the stage for Hutto and the HEDC to be one of the top contenders in today’s competitive market.” Chase is a member of the IEDC and has chaired several projects for the council's Economic Development Research Partnership, according to the HEDC. He assumed his new position Aug. 4. “Tim Chase has proven experience as a top notch economic development professional and Hutto is fortunate to have someone of his caliber leading our economic development efforts," Hutto Mayor Debbie Holland said in a statement. “Representing the HEDC and our community in its continuing involvement with Opportunity Austin to foster job creation and investment in the five-county Central Texas region is a high priority, and Tim will represent us well.”