Covington Economic Development Director Tom West will retire in July 2026.
The city sent out an announcement about West’s decision on Friday. West joined the city’s staff in 2017 and has overseen several key economic initiatives in the city, including the Central Riverfront Development.
“Professionally, I think it’s time to hand over the reins to the next generation of leaders,” West said. “It’s very difficult to walk away from something I’ve put my heart and soul into for so many years, but I truly feel that I’ve accomplished the one goal I had when I started — to leave Covington in a better position than I found it.”
West first moved to Covington in 1992. He has a master’s degree in community planning from UC. In his time at the city, his initiatives have brought more than $240 million in private investment to the city as well as 5,000 new jobs, according to the city.
Besides the Central Riverfront Development, West also oversaw the revision of the city’s zoning ordinance. His department has won six awards for excellence from the International Economic Development Council under his aegis.
Check out the city’s profile to learn more about West’s accomplishments as economic development director.
