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Amarillo Ledger

Storyline · 25 events · 2021 – Mar 26, 2026

AEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, a city-chartered corporation, budgeted $100,000 for membership in The Range (then the Amarillo Global Food Hub) in August 2022 (one report dates the commitment to 2021). In January 2023 it wired $750,000 to prepay 2023-2025 dues against a $100,000 budget line. A 2024 citizen complaint triggered a city inquiry and audit; four of five AEDC board members resigned and CEO Kevin Carter separated in early 2025. A permanent CEO was named in 2026.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

  1. · Context

    AEDC described as a RANGE member with $250,000 annual dues

    The Tribune's Oct. 10, 2024 explainer says the AEDC paid $250,000 annual dues three years in advance in 2021; the Tribune's Dec. 1, 2024 timeline lists no 2021 payment and dates the first budgeted membership ($100,000) to August 2022.[1][2][3]

    Kevin CarterThe Range (formerly the Amarillo Global Food Hub)Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Accounts differ on when the AEDC's $750,000 prepayment commitment originated.

      Reported value 1[1]

      Year
      2,021
      Milestone
      founding-member commitment ($250k/yr)

      The Tribune's Oct. 10, 2024 explainer states the AEDC 'paid its annual membership dues of $250,000 for three years in advance in 2021.' The Tribune's Dec. 1, 2024 timeline lists no 2021 commitment or payment.

      Reported value 2[2][3]

      Date
      2023-01-20
      Milestone
      the $750k wire transfer (2023-2025 prepay)

      The lump $750k transfer was executed Jan 20, 2023.

    • ✓ Verified

      The Amarillo Tribune's December 1, 2024 timeline of the AEDC's involvement with The RANGE lists no 2021 membership commitment or payment. Its 2021 entry is a November 22, 2021 board presentation with no action taken; the first budgeted membership amount is $100,000 in the 2022/2023 AEDC budget approved August 29, 2022; and the $750,000 payment is dated January 20, 2023.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      The Tribune's October 10, 2024 explainer reports that the Texas Comptroller's taxable-entity search shows an Amarillo Global Food Hub Secretary of State effective registration date of August 13, 2022. The same article states the AEDC 'paid its annual membership dues of $250,000 for three years in advance in 2021.'[1]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      The two Tribune articles give different dates for The Range Foundation's tax-exempt status.

      Reported value 1[1]

      Date
      2023-04-11

      October 10, 2024 explainer: 'awarded 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS on April 11, 2023.'

      Reported value 2[3]

      Date
      2024-03-08

      December 1, 2024 timeline: 'The RANGE Foundation is granted tax-exempt status' (March 8, 2024); its certificate of formation was filed April 10, 2023.

  2. · Precursor

    AEDC board hears HR&A Advisors presentation on regional innovation study

    According to the Amarillo Tribune's timeline, AEDC board member Laura Street introduced a representative of HR&A Advisors, Inc., who presented the study HR&A was conducting on Amarillo and the Panhandle for innovation projects. No action was taken. A second presentation on January 19, 2022 included the future executive director of The RANGE; again no action was taken.[3]

    Laura StreetAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

  3. · Precursor

    AEDC board accepts HR&A Innovation Development Strategic Plan

    The Tribune timeline reports that Laura Street presented the research findings and proposed plan, she and AEDC President and CEO Kevin Carter answered board questions, and the board approved the HR&A Innovation Development Strategic Plan unanimously.[3]

    Laura StreetKevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

  4. · Origin

    AEDC budget includes $100,000 for Amarillo Global Food Hub membership

    The AEDC board approved its 2022/2023 budget with $100,000 under project support for Amarillo Global Food Hub membership; the AEDC's outside counsel later wrote that neither organization knew the fee amount and the figure was a placeholder. The City Council approved the same budget on September 13, 2022, and it took effect October 1, 2022.[3]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)The Range (formerly the Amarillo Global Food Hub)

    • ✓ Verified

      Under project support, the AEDC's 2022/2023 budget included $100,000 for Amarillo Global Food Hub membership; according to a memo from the Underwood Law Firm, neither The RANGE nor the AEDC knew what the membership fee would be, and the amount was a placeholder.[3]

      Budgeted
      $100,000

  5. · Starting point

    AEDC wires $750,000 to The Range (prepaying 2023-2025) against a $100,000 budget

    Kevin Carter emails city finance officials requesting a $750,000 transfer to The Range; the City, acting as fiduciary agent, completes the wire the same day. The amount prepays 2023, 2024 and 2025 dues. The line item was budgeted at $100,000; AEDC counsel said the corporation stayed within its overall budget using savings from other lines.[2][3]

    Kevin CarterThe Range (formerly the Amarillo Global Food Hub)Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      On January 20, 2023 the AEDC wired $750,000 to The Range, prepaying 2023-2025 dues ($250,000/year).[2]

      Amount
      $750,000
      0
      2,023
      1
      2,024
      2
      2,025
      Annual dues
      $250,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The line item was budgeted at $100,000; the $750,000 transfer was a $650,000 overage, which AEDC counsel said stayed within the corporation's overall budget.[2]

      Budgeted
      $100,000
      Actual
      $750,000
      Overage
      $650,000
    • ✓ Verified

      AEDC President/CEO Kevin Carter also served on the board of the Range Foundation; he stated he received no compensation for the foundation role, and a legal memo addressed the dual role.[2]

    • ✓ Verified

      According to the Tribune timeline, on January 20, 2023 Kevin Carter emailed a City employee asking that $750,000 be transferred from the project account to the Amarillo Global Food Hub for dues, specifying that $500,000 should be 'booked' as prepaid dues for the next two years; the payment was sent the same day. At the October 8, 2024 council meeting Carter said the then-board chairman and vice chairman authorized the payment. The increase from the budgeted $100,000 was not brought before the AEDC board or City Council.[3]

      Transfer
      $750,000
      Booked prepaid
      $500,000

  6. · Context

    Council approves the AEDC's FY2023/24 budget 4-1; motion to restore $200,000 to the Enterprize Challenge dies

    At a special meeting the council first voted 5-0 to amend the AEDC budget to show payroll and a new performance-pay line separately. Councilmember Les Simpson then moved to restore $200,000 to the West Texas Enterprize Challenge; the motion died for lack of a second. The council approved the budget 4-1, with Simpson voting no. The packet budget totals $3,503,340, including $380,000 for the Enterprize Challenge program.[4][5][6]

    Les SimpsonTom ScherlenJosh CraftCole StanleyDon TippsKevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The minutes record three actions on Resolution No. 09-19-23-1. First, Councilmember Tom Scherlen's motion to show payroll ($1,030,040) and a new performance-pay line ($140,460) separately, for a total of $1,170,500, passed 5-0. Second, Councilmember Les Simpson's motion to replace the $200,000 and fully restore the Enterprize Challenge died for lack of a second. Third, the budget was ratified 4-1: Josh Craft, Tom Scherlen, Cole Stanley and Don Tipps voted aye and Simpson voted no.[4]

      Payroll
      $1,030,040
      Performance pay
      $140,460
      Personnel total
      $1,170,500
      Restore motion
      $200,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Councilmember Les Simpson: At Simpson's request the minutes record that he voted against the AEDC budget because he did not support approving it without the full Enterprize budget restored. The Globe-News quoted him: 'I would have liked to have seen the continuation of the full funding of the challenge.'[4][6]

    • ✓ Verified

      The FY2023/24 AEDC budget in the council packet (amended by the AEDC board August 21, 2023 after council feedback) totals $3,503,340, with $380,000 for the WT Enterprise Center's Enterprize Challenge program under project support. The Amarillo Globe-News reported that the approved $3.5 million AEDC budget was more than $650,000 below the prior year, and that the Enterprize Challenge's funding was cut by $200,000, lowering the maximum award per business to $75,000.[5][6]

      Budget total
      $3,503,340
      Enterprize challenge
      $380,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley: Mayor Cole Stanley told the Globe-News that the Enterprize Challenge cut followed from the program not issuing all of its available funds over the previous two years: 'Their budget number got reduced due to the challenge of not issuing all the funds.'[6]

  7. · Trigger

    City Council takes up a citizen's questions about the $750,000 wire in closed session

    A citizen's concern about the payment prompts the City Council to open an inquiry into the AEDC's payments over the prior three years.[7][2][3]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)The Range (formerly the Amarillo Global Food Hub)

    • ✓ Verified

      The Tribune timeline reports that Hyde Kelley LLP billed the City for work related to the AEDC and The Range beginning July 1, 2024, and that, based on invoices for work through September 30, 2024 obtained through public information requests, the City had paid the firm $40,975.50 for the inquiry ('our best analysis of these invoices').[3]

      Paid through 2024 09 30
      $40,976
    • ✓ Verified

      The timeline says a local businessman and former AEDC board member came across The RANGE in summer 2024, sent several public information requests about the $750,000 payment and copied the City Council; the AEDC's counsel sent the board a memo on the transaction on August 19, 2024, and the council met in closed session on the matter on August 27, 2024.[3]

  8. · Related development

    Council tables AEDC budget and directs an internal audit of three years of AEDC finances

    At its September 10, 2024 meeting the council tabled approval of the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget until the AEDC had new policies in place and directed the City's internal auditor to audit the AEDC's finances for the past three years. Mayor Cole Stanley cited Texas Local Government Code Sec. 501.073(a), under which the authorizing unit approves a development corporation's programs and expenditures.[3]

    Cole StanleyAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      On September 10, 2024 the council tabled approval of the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget until the AEDC had new policies in place and directed the internal auditor to audit the AEDC's financials over the past three years; the audit began September 11. Mayor Stanley said the council's issue was that it is the AEDC's authorizing unit and state law requires it to oversee the corporation.[3]

  9. Mayor Stanley characterizes the transfer as 'unlawful' but 'not illegal'

    Mayor Cole Stanley describes the $750,000 transfer as 'unlawful' but 'not illegal' as the council presses the AEDC on its budgeting practices.[2]

    Cole StanleyAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley: Mayor Cole Stanley characterized the transfer as 'unlawful' but 'not illegal.'[2]

  10. · Context

    State EDC association president criticizes the council's scrutiny

    Carlton Schwab, president of the Texas Economic Development Council, calls the Amarillo City Council's scrutiny of the AEDC 'shameful' and 'absurd.'[8]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Carlton Schwab, Texas Economic Development Council: Carlton Schwab, president of the Texas Economic Development Council, called the city council's scrutiny of the AEDC 'shameful' and 'absurd.'[8]

  11. · Related development

    AEDC board adopts approval threshold for unbudgeted spending over $50,000

    The AEDC board approved policies requiring AEDC board and City Council approval of unbudgeted expenditures over $50,000 and a budget amendment when a budgeted line is exceeded by more than $50,000. The council approved an AEDC operating budget limited to salaries, contractual obligations and operating expenses on September 30, 2024.[3]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The AEDC policy approved September 24, 2024 states: 'All Expenditures over $50,000 that are not budgeted for will require Amarillo EDC Board and the Amarillo City Council Approval. In addition, any budgeted line item that exceeds $50,000 over the budgeted amount will require a budget amendment approved by the Amarillo EDC Board and the Amarillo City Council.' Expenditures over $500,000 also require two signatures.[3]

      Approval threshold
      $50,000

  12. · Related development

    Council approves an AEDC FY2024/25 budget limited to salaries, contractual obligations and operating expenses

    Three weeks after tabling the AEDC budget, the council met in a special session and voted 4-0, with Les Simpson absent, to adopt the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget amended to include only expenditures needed for salaries, contractual obligations and operating expenses. NewsChannel 10 reported that the constrained budget would stay in place until the council received the audit and outside counsel's recommended changes.[9][10][11]

    Cole StanleyDon TippsJosh CraftTom ScherlenKevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Don Tipps moved and Josh Craft seconded to adopt Resolution No. 09-30-24-1 'amended to only include expenditures necessary for salaries, contractual obligations and operating expenses'. The motion passed 4-0: Cole Stanley, Josh Craft, Don Tipps and Tom Scherlen voted aye, and Les Simpson was absent. City Manager Grayson Path, AEDC Executive Director Kevin Carter and the council's special counsel presented the item.[9]

    • ✓ Verified

      The staff memo listed the council's options as '1) approval as presented, 2) no approval, or 3) approval with edits and/or conditions'. It recommended that the council 'provide the AEDC with guidance regarding future expenditure of funds.' The resolution states that the AEDC's bylaws require it to submit its annual budget to the City Council for approval.[10]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley; Councilmember Tom Scherlen: NewsChannel 10 reported that the constrained budget took effect October 1 and covered day-to-day expenses until the council received the audit and outside counsel's recommended changes. Mayor Stanley said: 'It's a constrained budget, it approves the operating expenses, payroll or salaries, and then contractual obligations.' Councilmember Tom Scherlen said: 'we've been operating outside of state law.'[11]

  13. · Peak

    City publishes AEDC audit; Mayor seeks board and CEO resignations

    The City publishes an audit reviewing AEDC expenditures over $25,000 for fiscal years 2022-2024. Mayor Stanley calls for the resignations of AEDC board members and Kevin Carter.[12][3]

    Cole StanleyKevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The published audit reviewed AEDC expenditures over $25,000 for fiscal years 2022-2024.[12]

      Threshold
      $25,000
      0
      2,022
      1
      2,023
      2
      2,024
    • ✓ Verified

      The Tribune timeline reports that at the October 8, 2024 meeting the internal auditor called the payment to The RANGE an 'anomaly,' and at the November 12, 2024 meeting said nothing stood out as irregular but that there was no policy against which to judge transactions.[3]

  14. · Related development

    Council approves an AEDC expenditure request of $83,512.50, 5-0

    Under the constrained budget, the AEDC brought a list of expenditures to the council for approval: membership dues, conference and trade-show costs, business-park mowing and a data subscription, totaling $83,512.50. The council approved it 5-0. At the same meeting a request to raise the AEDC marketing budget by $625,000 for two Interstate 40 gateway signs was moved to be tabled; the motion and second were withdrawn and the minutes record no vote on that item.[13][14]

    Tom ScherlenJosh CraftLes SimpsonKevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The $83,512.50 request listed High Ground of Texas dues ($25,000), Texas Economic Development Corporation dues ($25,000), an Impact Data subscription ($7,442), business-park mowing ($5,300), and marketing and conference items. The council approved it 5-0 on a motion by Tom Scherlen, seconded by Josh Craft.[13][14]

      Requested
      $83,513
    • ✓ Verified

      The staff memo for the request states that funding was available in the 2024/2025 budget 'conditionally approved by City Council on September 30, 2024', and that 'City Council has had numerous public conversations about the need to directly approve AEDC's expenditures until a time at which a protocol can be established by City Council for overall approval of expenditures.' The December 10, 2024 request carries the same language.[14][15]

    • ✓ Verified

      Item 10.F proposed raising the AEDC's 2024/2025 marketing budget by $625,000 to build two gateway signs on Interstate 40. Tom Scherlen moved to table it and Les Simpson seconded. Simpson then withdrew his second and Scherlen withdrew his motion, and the minutes record no vote on the item.[13]

      Proposed increase
      $625,000

  15. Four of five AEDC board members resign

    Chairman Andrew Hall, Vice Chairman Adrian Meaner, Scott Bentley and Helen Burton resign, citing 'irreparable damage to Amarillo's current economic development efforts' by the Mayor and several council members. The council later installs a temporary board.[16]

    Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The four resigning AEDC board members (joint statement): Four of five AEDC board members — Chairman Andrew Hall, Vice Chairman Adrian Meaner, Scott Bentley, and Helen Burton — resigned, citing 'irreparable damage' to economic development by the Mayor and council.[16]

      Resigned
      4
      Board size
      5

  16. · Resolution

    Council appoints a temporary AEDC board, 5-0

    The day after four of five AEDC directors resigned, the council voted 5-0 to appoint Alex Fairly, former councilmember Howard Smith and Councilmembers Don Tipps and Josh Craft as temporary members of the AEDC board. With remaining director Dipak Patel, they formed a five-member board. An earlier motion by Councilmember Tom Scherlen died for lack of a second.[17][18]

    Cole StanleyDon TippsJosh CraftTom ScherlenAlex FairlyHoward SmithDipak PatelAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Stanley nominated Alex Fairly to serve 'in a temporary capacity only until the full board is appointed.' A motion by Councilmember Scherlen died for lack of a second. Stanley then moved, and Don Tipps seconded, 'to appoint Alex Fairly, Howard Smith, Councilman Tipps and Councilman Craft to serve at the EDC as temporary members of the board'. The motion passed 5-0.[17]

    • ✓ Verified

      NewsChannel 10 reported that the temporary board was Dipak Patel, described as 'the only remaining AEDC board member', together with Alex Fairly, former councilmember Howard Smith and Councilmembers Josh Craft and Don Tipps.[18]

  17. · Related development

    Council approves a $724,994.63 AEDC expenditure request and $50,000 to design gateway signs, 5-0

    The council approved, 5-0, an AEDC expenditure request of $724,994.63. Its largest line was $580,000 for the West Texas Enterprize Challenge; the rest covered marketing, trade shows, appraisals, rail maintenance and property taxes on AEDC land. In a separate 5-0 vote the council amended the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget to add up to $50,000 in marketing to design two gateway monument signs on Interstate 40, a project the packet estimated at $625,000 in total.[19][15]

    Les SimpsonJosh CraftTom ScherlenDon TippsKevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The December 10, 2024 expenditure request totals $724,994.63: $640,386.63 for project support and $84,608.00 for marketing. Its lines include $580,000 for the West Texas Enterprize Challenge, $47,186.63 for property taxes on AEDC properties in Potter County, $9,000 for business-park rail maintenance, $6,358 for baseball tickets, and trade-show and conference costs. The council approved it 5-0 on a motion by Les Simpson, seconded by Josh Craft.[19][15]

      Requested
      $724,995
      Project support
      $640,387
      Marketing
      $84,608
      Enterprize challenge
      $580,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Resolution No. 12-10-24-3, approved 5-0, raised the AEDC's 2024/2025 marketing budget by up to $50,000 to design two gateway monument signs on Interstate 40, one on the east side of Amarillo and one on the west. The memo puts the project's estimated total cost at $625,000, says construction would come back to the council, and notes the AEDC board approved the project 4-0 on September 24, 2024.[19][15]

      Design amendment max
      $50,000
      Estimated total
      $625,000

  18. · Resolution

    Council approves amended and restated AEDC articles of incorporation, 4-1

    The council voted 4-1 to approve amendments to the AEDC's articles of incorporation, with Les Simpson voting no. The amended and restated articles in the agenda packet describe the AEDC as acting "subject to the control of the City Council". They require every project to be approved by both the board and the council, require council approval to move money between budget line items, and give council members access to AEDC records within 10 business days. They also make directors removable by the council at will.[20][21][22]

    Cole StanleyLes SimpsonTom ScherlenJosh CraftDon TippsAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Resolution No. 01-14-25-2, approving amendments to the AEDC's Articles of Incorporation, passed 4-1 on a motion by Tom Scherlen, seconded by Josh Craft. Cole Stanley, Josh Craft, Don Tipps and Tom Scherlen voted aye and Les Simpson voted no. The memo states that the AEDC board reviewed the draft articles on January 7, 2025, made a few edits and sent them to the council.[20][21]

    • ✓ Verified

      Under the draft Amended and Restated Articles in the packet, the AEDC has its powers 'subject to the control of the City Council'. 'All Projects ... must be individually considered and approved by the Board of Directors and the City Council', and no shortfall in one budget line may be shifted to another without a budget amendment approved by the board and the council. The budget must follow GASB standards in line-item form. AEDC information must be made available to any council member on request within 10 business days. Directors are 'removable by the City Council at will', and the bylaws may not be amended without council approval. The articles list the current directors as Alex Fairly, Dipak Patel, Howard Smith, Josh Craft and Don Tipps.[21]

    • ✓ Verified

      John Atkins (AEDC counsel); Mayor Cole Stanley; Councilmember Les Simpson: NewsChannel 10 reported that AEDC attorney John Atkins said the change in terminology from Articles of Incorporation to Certificate of Formation brings the document to a more modern state. Mayor Stanley called the change a first step toward fixing the City–AEDC relationship. Simpson said he was not opposed to the articles but believed they could be more transparent.[22]

  19. · Resolution

    Council approves amended AEDC bylaws and an amended FY2024/25 AEDC budget, 5-0

    The council voted 5-0 to adopt amended AEDC bylaws, with language proposed by Councilmember Josh Craft to include non-disclosure agreements. In a second 5-0 vote it amended the AEDC's 2024/2025 operating budget. NewsChannel 10 reported that this approved the AEDC's budget of more than $37 million for the year.[23][24]

    Josh CraftDon TippsTom ScherlenLes SimpsonDoug NelsonAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Resolution No. 01-28-25-3 (AEDC bylaws amendments), presented by Doug Nelson and John Atkins of the AEDC, passed 5-0 'as amended by Councilmember Craft'; the minutes say Craft proposed language to include non-disclosure agreements. Resolution No. 01-28-25-4, amending the AEDC's 2024/2025 operating budget, passed 5-0.[23]

    • ✓ Verified

      NewsChannel 10 reported that the council 'finally approved the over $37 million AEDC budget for the year'. It also reported that the temporary board had made changes to the AEDC's articles of incorporation, bylaws and policies, and that the council had reviewed 55 applications for a new board without setting a date to seat it.[24]

      Budget over
      $37,000,000

  20. · Resolution

    CEO Kevin Carter separates from the AEDC

    After months of controversy, the AEDC board authorizes a separation agreement with President/CEO Kevin Carter; his last day is January 31, 2025. He had led the AEDC for about five years.[25]

    Kevin CarterAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Kevin Carter's last day was January 31, 2025; the AEDC agreed to continue paying his salary (reported ~$245,000) through the end of the year. He had led the AEDC about five years.

      Reported value 1[25]

      Salary continuation
      $245,000

      Reported value 2[26]

      Salary continuation
      $225,000

      Figure used in the Sept 2026 city turnover tally

  21. Doug Nelson named interim CEO; board chair presents findings

    The temporary board names Senior VP Doug Nelson interim president/CEO; board chair Alex Fairly presents findings from the review.[27]

    Doug NelsonAlex FairlyAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

  22. · Resolution

    Council approves revised AEDC policies and appoints board members in split votes

    The council approved the AEDC's revised policies and procedures 5-0. It then voted on AEDC board appointments. Dean Crump (term ending Dec. 31, 2027) was appointed 3-1, with Mayor Cole Stanley abstaining. Elliot McKinney (2027), Alex Fairly (2025) and Randy Burkett (2025) were each appointed 4-1. One nomination failed 2-1 with Stanley and Don Tipps abstaining, and another died for lack of a second. Les Simpson voted no on every appointment. NewsChannel 10 listed Dipak Patel, the one director who had not resigned in November 2024, as the fifth member of the permanent board, and reported that temporary members Howard Smith, Don Tipps and Josh Craft would leave the board.[28][29]

    Cole StanleyLes SimpsonDon TippsJosh CraftTom ScherlenAlex FairlyDoug NelsonDean CrumpElliot McKinneyRandy BurkettDipak PatelHoward SmithAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The minutes record six appointment motions. Dean Crump, to Dec. 31, 2027: passed 3-1 (aye Craft, Tipps, Scherlen; no Simpson; abstain Stanley). A second nominee, to 2027: failed 2-1 (aye Craft, Scherlen; no Simpson; abstain Stanley, Tipps). A third nominee: died for lack of a second. Elliot McKinney, to Dec. 31, 2027: passed 4-1. Alex Fairly, to Dec. 31, 2025: passed 4-1. Randy Burkett, to Dec. 31, 2025: passed 4-1. Simpson cast every no vote.[28]

    • ✓ Verified

      No fetched source gives a reason for Mayor Stanley's or Councilmember Tipps's abstentions. NewsChannel 10 reported that Simpson did not take part in recommending board members and voted no on every appointment, and quoted Stanley that the choices were based on performance, not politics.[28][29]

    • ✓ Verified

      NewsChannel 10 listed the permanent board as Alex Fairly, Randy Burkett, Dipak Patel, Elliot McKinney and Dean Crump. It reported that they would be sworn in May 13 and would then search for a new president and CEO, and that temporary members Howard Smith, Don Tipps and Josh Craft would leave the board. The council minutes record four appointments passing on April 22. Patel was the one director who had not resigned in November 2024.[29][28][18]

    • ✓ Verified

      Item 10.D, revised AEDC policies and procedures recommended by the AEDC board on March 17, 2025 and presented by Doug Nelson, passed 5-0 on a motion by Josh Craft, seconded by Don Tipps.[28]

  23. · Resolution

    Council fills the AEDC board seat vacated by Alex Fairly; first nomination fails 2-0 with three abstentions

    Alex Fairly resigned as AEDC board chair on July 15, 2025. At a special meeting, Mayor Cole Stanley nominated a bank executive, seconded by Tim Reid. That motion failed 2-0, with Don Tipps, David Prescott and Les Simpson abstaining. The council then appointed Brian Bruckner, a former AEDC board member, 5-0.[30][31][32][33]

    Cole StanleyTim ReidDon TippsDavid PrescottLes SimpsonAlex FairlyBrian BrucknerAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Stanley moved and Tim Reid seconded a nomination for the vacancy. It 'failed with a 2:0 vote', with Stanley and Reid voting aye and Don Tipps, David Prescott and Les Simpson abstaining. Simpson then moved, and Tipps seconded, to appoint Brian Bruckner, which passed 5-0.[30]

    • ✓ Verified

      Alex Fairly resigned as AEDC board chairman on July 15, 2025. ABC 7 reported that Stanley and Reid had nominated a bank executive, and that Simpson, Tipps and Prescott nominated Bruckner, president of Bruckner's Truck Sales and a former AEDC board member. NewsChannel 10 reported that Bruckner had served six years on the board, including two executive-director searches.[31][33][32]

    • ✓ Verified

      ABC 7 Amarillo (reporting): ABC 7 reported that Fairly, whom Stanley had nominated, was 'Stanley's largest campaign donor.' No fetched source states why Fairly resigned or why three council members abstained on the first nomination.[31]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley's campaign finance reports list contributions from "Alex Fairly (Deal-On)" of $50,000 (30-day pre-election report, period ending March 24, 2025) and $100,000 dated April 12, 2025 (8-day pre-election report, as amended), $150,000 in all. Those two reports list $187,452 in total contributions, and no other contribution in them exceeds $10,000. His January 2025 and July 2025 reports list $52,750 and $18,950 in total contributions. On April 22, 2025 Stanley moved Fairly's appointment to the AEDC board. [34][35][36][37][28]

      Contributions total
      $150,000

  24. · Context

    Council reappoints Brian Bruckner and Randy Burkett to the AEDC board, 5-0

    The council voted 5-0 on each motion to reappoint Brian Bruckner and Randy Burkett to second terms on the AEDC board. Burkett's April 2025 appointment had been to a term ending December 31, 2025.[38][28]

    Les SimpsonDon TippsTim ReidDoug NelsonBrian BrucknerRandy BurkettAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      The council reappointed Brian Bruckner (motion by Les Simpson, seconded by Don Tipps) and Randy Burkett (motion by Simpson, seconded by Tim Reid) to second terms on the AEDC board; both votes were 5-0. Doug Nelson of the AEDC presented the item with the assistant city secretary.[38]

  25. · Resolution

    Dr. Andreas Eckstein named permanent AEDC president/CEO

    The AEDC names Dr. Andreas Eckstein as its new president and CEO.[39]

    Andreas EcksteinAmarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

    • ✓ Verified

      Doug Nelson served as interim CEO from February 2025 until Dr. Andreas Eckstein was named permanent AEDC president/CEO on March 26, 2026.[27][39]

Related storylines: Amarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)AEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)