Rush Harris has had a world of experience and wants to put it to use in his hometown.

His industry savvy may have been built around the international scope, but there's no place like home for Director of Business Services Rush Harris to get started.

Harris was recently hired by the Marshall Economic Development Corporation and is excited to be part of helping to grow his own hometown.

"I grew up here, and my parents were from here," said Harris.  "One of the reasons I came back is because of my strong family ties to the community."

Harris graduated from Marshall High School in 1995 and served for two years with the Peace Corps in Guatemala.

In 2008, he decided to seek his Master of Business Administration at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, which has MBA tracks primarily focused around international business management.

"The main draw for the position here was I'm vested in the community.  I wanted a job where I could be personally and emotionally involved," said Harris, who completed his MBA last year.

He added that he is ready to reacquaint himself with old friends and city leaders.

"I hope to bring people in and promote Marshall as a place for families to move for opportunities," said Harris.

Harris appreciates that MEDCO not only serves a great range of existing businesses but actively seeks new businesses for improving economic development in the area.

"Before attending the Thunderbird School of Global Management, I was in the oil, gas and land management industry," said Harris.

His experience in land leases, land sales, right-of-way agreements and surface change agreements will come in handy, since one of his major roles in the position will be management of MEDCO properties.

Ironically, one of the first things he had noticed different about Marshall upon returning was the clearing of the timber from the new business park going in at U.S. Highway 59 and Interstate Highway 20.

"Right off the bat, I saw they had cleared the trees and that got me interested," said Harris, who is excited about a chance to see diversity brought to town through these efforts.

"If you put all of your eggs in one basket, you see a dramatic change if there is an economic downturn," said Harris, who recalled the dozens of land-men filling the courthouse during the boom.

Harris will also be assisting Executive Director Donna Maisel, who hopes to spend more time on recruiting and marketing in the future.

"We're very pleased and excited to have this new division of our organization that can solely focus on these projects," said Ms. Maisel.  "Teamwork is so important, not only at MEDCO but in the community."

MEDCO staff and committees by its board of directors share in most responsibilities taken on by the economic development entity.

"We look forward to all the great things to come in the near future," said Ms. Maisel.  "Marshall is well positioned for future growth."

In addition to his experience and education, Harris' enthusiasm was also considered as he was hired.

"Based on his history and work references, we know he's dedicated and energetic, a self-starter," said Ms. Maisel.  "We think these are real important qualities he brings to MEDCO."

Also during the interview, Harris recalled his drive back to East Texas from Arizona and how many of the smaller highway villages have become "ghost towns."

He said having a group like MEDCO that is actively attracting companies is a real perk.

"That it is supported by the city commission means a lot," said Harris.  "My biggest challenge in getting started will be orienting to MEDCO's relationships between business and government."

He also hopes to an energizing force to the city's young, up and coming leaders through his work.

"It's great to see young leadership, like Chris Paddie, stepping up in the community.  I look forward to seeing more people our age coming out to get involved," said Harris.

His wife, Dinorah Harris, and their young daughter also live in Marshall.  Harris is the son of Dr. Jim Harris and Beverly Harris.

"I'm just ready to start working," he said with a grin.

For information on MEDCO visit them online at www.marshalledc.org.