McKinney BREP director accepts position at Lovejoy ISD

Jeannie Walls re-enters the education field

After three years with the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, Business Retention and Expansion Director Jeannie Walls has accepted a position with Lovejoy ISD as the Director of College and Career Advising.

“Education has had such a positive impact on my life that my personal passion is helping students and their parents realize the goal of higher education is achievable,” Walls said. “The McKinney Chamber of Commerce has provided me with the knowledge needed to excel in this role.”

Walls, who is a native of McKinney, came to the Chamber in 2006 with much experience in the education field. She began her career at Collin County Community College, which is now called Collin College, and before joining the team at the Chamber, was the programs director and the My Educational Future Program Director at the McKinney Education Foundation.

Jeannie Walls

County Community College, which is now called Collin College, and before joining the team at the Chamber, was the programs director and the My Educational Future Program Director at the McKinney Education Foundation.

“Lovejoy ISD is progressive in its vision of workforce development,” Walls said. “I am blessed to be given the opportunity to work in my passion on a daily basis.”

Terrie Keith, Interim President of the Chamber said the Chamber staff will meet with the MEDC staff this week to discuss the BREP position as it has changed since Walls first began working in the BREP program.

While at the Chamber, Walls was responsible for the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP). That program is a service provided by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the McKinney Economic Development Corporation. The primary function is to develop and implement programs, services, and resources to support retention and expansion of existing businesses and jobs, as well as to support new growth that promotes and encourages a diverse and stable economy in McKinney.

BREP was given the 2006 Governmental Affairs Award, 2007 Economic Development Award, and 2008 Small Business Award from the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Walls has led BREP on several key projects, including the city of McKinney's Green Initiative and has assisted in the city's storm water management program, and helped to bring the Export-Import Bank of the United States to McKinney to have an office at the Chamber. Walls also created a transportation and logistics forum.

Jim Young, Director of Development for the MEDC said on Feb. 23 that Walls will be missed as she did an excellent job with the BREP program.

For more information about BREP, contact Young at 972-562-5430 or Susan Collins at the Chamber at 972-542-0163.

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