Fairly resigns from AEDC board; Prescott calls move 'right for the city'

Yahoo

a day ago

Alex Fairly has resigned as chair and member of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation board, stepping down just three months after his appointment to the high-profile post.
City Manager Grayson Path confirmed the resignation in an email Path sent individually to each City Council member and the mayor on Tuesday, July 15, in accordance with Texas open meetings law. As of Tuesday, no formal resignation letter from Fairly had been made public.
Fairly also informed fellow board members of his decision near the end of Tuesday's AEDC meeting. According to board member Randy Burkett, Fairly said he had not planned to stay on long term and felt it was the right time to step away.
'He told us he didn't really enjoy being on boards,' Burkett said. 'He felt like he had done what he set out to do, but the structure of the Texas Open Meetings Act can make it frustrating. You can talk to one person, but not a second — and I think that held him back.'
Burkett, who was appointed to the board in April, said he was surprised by the announcement and expressed disappointment over losing Fairly's input.
'I was stunned,' he said. 'I had no idea it was coming. I really thought he would stay on through the end of our first year. It's a big loss — I don't know who could replace him. Alex is one of the smartest guys I've ever met.'
Burkett added that while he believes the board will continue to function effectively, Fairly's departure leaves a noticeable void.
'We'll be fine operationally, but his perspective and experience will be missed,' he said. 'I'll probably still reach out to him with questions. He's a good friend, and I highly respect the guy.'
More: Alex Fairly interview: Amarillo businessman talks about money, politics, and education
Fairly was originally appointed in November 2024, following a wave of mass resignations from the AEDC board that left only one member in place. The Amarillo businessman was later named chair and reappointed in April to the newly restructured five-member board.
Councilmember David Prescott, who has long questioned Fairly's appointment, said the resignation was appropriate.
'I think it's the right thing for the city,' Prescott said. 'Any time large political donors are appointed to positions of power based on campaign contributions, that's problematic.'
Fairly was one of the most significant donors in recent Amarillo city municipal elections, contributing heavily to political action committees supporting the current council majority. He was reappointed in April following controversy over a $750,000 allocation to a politically connected nonprofit.
'We went through a lot to put him in that position, and now he's stepping away quickly,' Prescott said. 'From discussions with AEDC staff, our deal flow is near zero. We've got a lot of work to do to rebuild trust with businesses considering Amarillo.'
Prescott added that Fairly had never formally applied for the board and criticized the selection process.
'These roles shouldn't be handed out based on who someone supports politically,' Prescott said. 'Applicants should be vetted and chosen for their qualifications, not connections.'
Prescott voiced support for the AEDC's ongoing nationwide search for a new president and CEO.
'We need an open, apolitical process to find someone who can grow the AEDC and help drive the city's economic future,' he said.
Fairly declined to elaborate on his decision but told the Globe-News, 'It was best for me to move on and quietly step aside.'
As of Tuesday, no time frame had been announced for appointing a new board member or selecting a new chair.
This is a developing story; more information and further comments will be added as they become available.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Alex Fairly resigns as chair and member of Amarillo EDC board