WM hires new Community Development Specialist

Whiteside will focus on grant writing and community improvements

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

West Memphis continues its winning streak with the hiring of a new Community Development Specialist, Raymond Whiteside. Raymond is a self-described “proud Arkansan with deep roots in the Delta.”

He originally hails from Clarendon, AR but has called Crittenden County his home since 2015 when he began working at Maddux Elementary as a 6th-grade teacher and most recently served as a School Improvement Specialist with the Marion School District. Before his 10-year career in education, Raymond wore many hats working as a reporter, photographer, copy editor, and page designer for the Jonesboro Sun. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a graduate certificate in curriculum development, all from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Raymond is active in the Democratic Party of Arkansas and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon. He currently serves on the Crittenden County Youth Intervention Program and as an officer for the Democratic Public Education Caucus. Raymond is happily married and the proud father of two children, Nico and Cora. As a youth, Raymond was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the title of Eagle Scout and working at numerous summer camps throughout the state.

As West Memphis Community Development Specialist Whiteside’s primary focus will be on grant writing which means he will ascertain state and federal funds for the improvement of West Memphis as well as

See WHITESIDE, page A3

“We’re going to keep the dentist busy,” says Community Development Director of his kids, Nico and Cora

Submitted photo WHITESIDE

From page A1

instruct other organizations within the city on the intricacies of obtaining grants.

His other duties will be concentrating on issues currently at the front of many minds of West Memphians including ooding and draining problems, a possible new pump station, housing and urban development as well as helping residents with funds to tear down homes or make improvements to roofs, plumbing, etc. He will also address areas such as parks, restoration and arts and humanity.

Raymond says he is “excited to learn more about the city and how I can best ful_ll the needs of residents” and to be on the lookout for the “new face of West Memphis.”