Devreco and Gillis Gilkerson has hired Meredith Mears to serve as the development company’s Chief Development Officer.

Meredith Mears will step down as Worcester County Economic Development Director and take a leadership role with Salisbury developers Devreco and Gillis Gilkerson.

Mears now serves as as Director of Worcester County’s Economic Development Department, but will leave that position at the end of the month.

Devreco Principal Bradley Gillis said the timing of this partnership is ideal for all parties as the commercial real estate market continues to evolve throughout the region.

Mears professional experience, he said, brings insight and direction to the economic modernization and social well-being of the community.

“She will be a valued addition to the robust offer of real estate services to all existing and future clients,” he said. “As experienced development and construction teams with over three decades of experience, we are thrilled about the addition of Meredith.”

Gillis added: “Her years of experience leading economic development initiatives will further strengthen us as knowledgeable, reliable and trusted partners in development and construction processes for our clients.”

Mears has served as Worcester’s Economic Development Director since 2015, following the resignation of Bill Badger. When he stepped down, Badger said he felt like his office and efforts lacked Worcester County Commissioners’ support.

“Worcester County has been great to me, I have considered it home, and staff there has been like family for over five years,” said Mears. “I am confident the team of professionals in place will remain steadfast in their goals of supporting business development and job opportunities for the county.

“Looking forward, I am eager to begin working with a strong and experienced development team that has a proven track-record of success.  The opportunity to become part of these solid, results-driven companies that are plugged in to our community is much like a dream come true.”

Mears said she plans to finish out the month with Worcester County and join the team at Devreco and Gillis Gilkerson beginning in February 2018.