Four members of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors have resigned, citing concerns over the city council’s ongoing inquiry into a controversial $750,000 transfer to a nonprofit organization and the political fallout surrounding the AEDC’s operations. The resignations mark a significant shift in the leadership of the AEDC, an organization tasked with fostering economic growth and business expansion in the Amarillo area.
Board Chairman Andrew Hall, Vice Chairman Adrian Meander, and members Scott Bentley and Helen Burton submitted their resignation letters addressed to the Amarillo City Council, expressing frustration over what they described as a leadership environment that was eroding the foundation of public service and hindering the AEDC’s ability to function effectively.
This development comes in the wake of the city council’s investigation into a 2023 transfer of $750,000 in AEDC membership dues to The RANGE, a nonprofit organization. High Plains Pundit has been closely following this story since the inquiry began in August, and the resignation of these key board members is the latest chapter in a story that continues to unfold.
Hall: “I Can No Longer Serve in Good Conscience”
In his resignation letter, Hall, who had served as AEDC Chairman, was unequivocal in his disillusionment with the ongoing situation. “I can no longer serve in good conscience amid a leadership environment that is eroding the very foundation of public service,” Hall wrote. His departure signals a deepening divide between the AEDC board and local officials as tensions rise over the city’s handling of the inquiry.
Bentley: “The Damage Has Been Significant”
Scott Bentley, who had previously voiced concerns that the inquiry and a planned rewrite of the AEDC’s articles of incorporation were harming the organization, also tendered his resignation “with regret.” In his letter, Bentley warned that the AEDC’s mission to promote business growth in Amarillo has been “damaged significantly” by the ongoing controversy.
Bentley noted that the organization had already lost key staff members, including Vice President of Project Development Michael Kitten, who resigned effective November 8. Bentley’s resignation underscores the growing concern that the AEDC’s ability to carry out its economic development goals is being undermined by the city council’s actions.
Meander: Concerns About Trust and the Future of the AEDC
Adrian Meander, in his resignation letter, expressed concerns about the future of the AEDC and the trustworthiness of the board moving forward. He questioned whether the planned changes to the AEDC’s articles of incorporation would cause more harm than good for the organization.
“Concerns I have moving forward as a board member are trust, would the board be considered trustworthy, and would there be more difficult times ahead for the remaining board members,” Meander wrote. His resignation adds to the mounting uncertainty surrounding the AEDC’s future.
Burton: “The Situation Has Gone Extreme”
Helen Burton, the fourth board member to resign, also expressed frustration with the ongoing situation. She acknowledged the need for improvements in transparency and risk management but felt the city’s actions had escalated the situation beyond reason. “While I agree that there is always room for improvements in limiting financial risks, enhancing transparency, and aligning our operations with state guidelines, I feel that the situation has gone extreme and out of control,” Burton’s letter stated.
Burton also praised the leadership of Hall, describing him as “instrumental in the achievements and progress” of the AEDC.
Mayor Cole Stanley issued the following statement about the resignations:
Happy Veterans Day! It’s very fitting on this holiday to thank all those who have served in multiple capacities. Including those on our AEDC board. Thank you for your service.
Councilmember Les Simpson issued the following statement:
It is very important the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. is transparent in handling taxpayer money. The council is working to accomplish that by tightening and clarifying AEDC policies and protocols. However, the AEDC is extremely vital to our economy and job growth and we do not need to create doubt about its value to the community and our future.
Council to Consider Changes to AEDC Board
The Amarillo City Council has an item on its agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting to consider relieving Andrew Hall of his duties as Chairman and to appoint new members to the AEDC board. As of now, local businessman Dipak Patel is the only remaining member of the board.
According to Councilmember Don Tipps, the item regarding Hall’s position came as a surprise:
The item regarding the appointments is a routine agenda item. There might have been two spots coming up on the AEDC board for people whose terms had expired, and we’re just replacing those. So in no way was that preemptive or anything like that.
The council cannot discuss the matter outside of a public meeting due to the Texas Open Meetings Act.
According to the agenda, Bentley and Meander’s terms were set to expire at the end of this year. Bentley was not eligible for reappointment, as he had already served two terms. However, Meander was eligible and had previously expressed his willingness to continue serving.
One notable applicant for the AEDC board is Craig Gualtiere, the citizen who initially brought the $750,000 transfer to the city council’s attention.
Community Response: “The Tone Has Had a Significant Impact”
The resignations have sparked a strong reaction from the AEDC’s supporters. Lloyd Brown, a founding member of the group Supporters of the AEDC, criticized the handling of the situation, saying, “This entire situation could have, and should have, been handled differently. The tone of the conversation has had a significant impact on the AEDC and stopped virtually every deal they had been working on.”
The group has been outspoken in its support for the AEDC’s work and its leadership, suggesting that the political tensions surrounding the inquiry have damaged the organization’s reputation and effectiveness.
Next Steps: City Council to Vote on Amendments to AEDC Bylaws
The Amarillo City Council is also set to consider amendments to the AEDC’s articles of incorporation at tomorrow’s meeting. These changes are part of the broader investigation into the AEDC’s financial practices and governance, including the $750,000 payment to The RANGE.
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