WILLIAMSBURG-After serving as interim economic development director for the city of Williamsburg for the past year, Yuri Adams has assumed the role permanently.
Williamsburg City Manager Andrew O. Trivette officially announced Adams as Williamsburg’s new economic development director on July 14. The promotion is effective immediately.
“I’m very excited to make it official and have Yuri serve as the next director of economic development,” Trivette said in a release. “Over the past year, she has done nothing but respond to the needs of businesses, improve our standing as a community in the eyes of prospective businesses, and earn her position on the City of Williamsburg’s leadership team through her performance.”
Adams was chosen following a nationwide search and takes the helm over from Michele Mixner DeWitt, who was promoted to assistant city manager in August 2021.
Prior to serving as the interim director, Adams was an economic development specialist. As the new director, Adams will run Williamsburg’s economic development department, which is responsible for the recruitment and retainment of businesses to Williamsburg.
Adams also previously served as chair for ASPIRE Young Professionals of the Williamsburg Business Council and executive secretary on the board of An Occasion for the Arts. In addition, she volunteers on the Business Council’s Economic Growth Committee and is a member of the LEAD Greater Williamsburg Class of 2019.
In her new role, Adams will also manage the Tourism Development Fund, serve as landlord of the Triangle Building, and staff the Economic Development Authority.
“I have loved working with our business community for the past five years and am beyond thrilled to expand on that work in this role,” Adams said. “Williamsburg is such a special place, and to share its story with prospective businesses is a joy and honor that I do not take lightly. I am delighted to have this opportunity to serve our citizens and business community and look forward to a future of guiding and assisting Williamsburg’s growth through economic and tourism development.”