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Ron Fox to retire from SOREDI Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Feb. 4, 2016 at 4:20 PM Updated Feb 4, 2016 at 5:43 PM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Feb. 4, 2016 at 4:20 PM Updated Feb 4, 2016 at 5:43 PM » Social News Ron Fox, who took the reins of the region's economic development organization at the height of a booming economy, then nursed it through the turbulent Great Recession, will retire at the end of May. Fox, 70, has been executive director at Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. since June 1, 2006, when he succeeded Gordon Safley. Fox disclosed his intentions to his staff Thursday afternoon. "We're at a great point in Southern Oregon right now, where our economy has made most of the recovery we would have wished for after the Great Recession," Fox said. "Our employment numbers are up, our membership support has never been better. I just decided it was a good time to pass the keys on to the next executive director at SOREDI." The Grants Pass High School graduate had little idea what awaited within the first two or three years of his joining the organization. "The financial challenges our region and the nation faced in 2008, 2009 were an unexpected event," Fox said. "Recovery for the economy really meant that SOREDI had to work harder and more closely with its businesses in order to make them make the recovery they needed to survive, and to recreate the jobs that were lost during that terrible financial time. Today, we're among the leading communities in the nation for our size, job growth has expanded to fulfill almost all those jobs lost in 2006 and 2007, and it's a great time." His ability to navigate tough times was apparent to longtime SOREDI board member and present chairman Matt Stephenson. "He had leadership qualities that not only helped SOREDI stay afloat but helped the communities in our region stay active and engaged in economic development through the recession," said Stephenson, executive vice president at Rogue Credit Union. "Coming out of the recession, his work with public and private partners resulted in a substantial increase in funding and support for SOREDI, and major economic growth for the area." During Fox's tenure, SOREDI embarked on or aided in a broad range of ventures, including member tours, the Southern Oregon Edge series, investment and entrepreneurial sessions. Alex Pawlowski, a former bank executive who joined SOREDI as a business lending and emerging business initiative manager in 2010, said Fox's demeanor was an asset that smoothed rocky roads. "His temperament and ability to handle things with diplomacy and a long-term perspective is such a rare commodity these days," Pawlowski said. "And he had it in multiples." He brought a wide-angle perspective to the organization, Pawlowski said. Following a 29-year stint with Pacific Power in Portland and a six-year tenure with Oregon Economic & Community Development Department in Salem, Fox saw an opportunity to return to his roots. "He brought a far broader approach than just focusing on two counties," Pawlowski said. "I think that came from all the years he was with Pacific Power and then in Salem. He wasn't self-limiting as far as what might work elsewhere. He was one of the brightest guys I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Most people would be proud to accomplish half of what he's done." Recent headlines have reflected well on the region's progress, Fox said. "I'm going to be very excited to see how the economy continues to grow and expand," he said. "Just this week we've had some pretty exciting announcements in the retail space, and we have manufacturers and traded sectors companies that are growing strong in our region." Fox said he will remain on the Rogue Community College board after his retirement. He also plans to attend his grandchildren's ball games and fish weekdays. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31 By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Follow @@GregMTBusiness Posted Feb. 4, 2016 at 4:20 PM Updated Feb 4, 2016 at 5:43 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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