Doug McDonald returning to Plano as economic development director

After several years away, Doug McDonald is returning to Plano to serve as the its director of economic development, the city announced Aug. 19.

McDonald had previously worked with the city from 2013-18 as its comprehensive planning manager and senior planner before leaving to work in Richardson.

During his time in Richardson, McDonald has been the interim executive director for the Richardson Economic Development Partnership as well as the managing director for the city’s Office of Innovation. He helped create The Richardson Innovation Quarter and worked on the transit-oriented development and redevelopment efforts along the Dallas Area Rapid Transit red line.

He most recently worked with The University of Texas at Dallas and other entities on new programs to support Richardson’s startups and small businesses.

McDonald will be replacing Sally Bane, who retired July 7 after 25 years of service with the city of Plano. In the last 16 years, she and her team had been involved in 149 corporate relocation and expansion projects, resulting in over $3 billion in Plano tax base improvements and the creation of over 45,000 jobs.

McDonald will begin his new position on Sept. 26.