Lee named city’s economic development chief

Berryville native Dean Lee returned to his hometown in April 2021 as director of the Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce after a distinguished career in athletic administration.

Now, Lee is taking on a new role but he’s not leaving Berryville.

Dean Lee

Mayor Tim McKinney announced Friday, Sept. 9, that Lee is the city’s new economic development director. Lee began his new duties on Sept. 1, McKinney said.

“We are lucky to have a person with Dean’s experience and I look forward to working with him to continue what Chris got started,” McKinney said. “I know Dean is going to bring a lot of energy and new ideas to the table. Dean has done a great job with the Chamber and his experience there will help us keep a close working relationship with the Chamber that has served Berryville well the last few years.”

Lee said he’s enjoyed his previous role and looks forward to a new challenge.

“I have loved my time working with the Chamber and look forward to this opportunity to assist with the economic development of Berryville,” Dean Lee said. “I appreciate Mayor McKinney’s confidence in me as I transition to this position and I’m excited to begin working on new developments that will grow and benefit this community.”

Lee replaces Chris Claybaker, the city’s first economic development director, who recently retired after more than seven years with the city.

Lee Lee graduated from Berryville High School in 1975. He went on to play basketball at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and later served as athletic director at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

He also served as vice president of the Razorback Foundation and as associate athletic director at Oklahoma State University.

He also has served as executive director of alumni and constituent relations for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

“The Berryville Chamber of Commerce Board would like to recognize the outstanding contributions Dean Lee has made the last couple of years to the efforts of the chamber,” chamber president Craig Kesner said. “We want to congratulate Dean on this career move and look forward to working with Dean in his continuing capacity as ex-officio board member representing the City of Berryville. As we transition and as it’s available, we will release more information about the chamber’s plans around a search for a new executive director. In the interim we appreciate the city and Dean’s assistance with continuing with our chamber efforts.”