Ankeny Leader Leaving to Head Economic Development Efforts in Urbandale

Ankeny economic development director Curtis Brown is leaving the city of Ankeny for a similar position with the city of Urbandale.

Brown, who has been the head of Ankeny's economic development efforts for more than five years, has been named economic development director for the city of Urbandale, effective April 8, according to the Des Moines Business Record.

Brown, 37, recently was recognized as a Business Record Forty Under 40.

Rather than go on a recruiting trip to bring new companies to the area, Brown told the Business Record he plans to build relationships with existing businesses.

“That’s been proven to work,” he told the publication.