Navajo County has created a new position focused on helping communities transition from coal-based economies, hiring Community Development Manager Jack Callaghan. The two-year position, funded through federal coal transition assistance, will work across Navajo and Apache counties to connect economic development efforts, map energy projects and help attract replacement jobs for those lost through power-plant closures.
“I’m excited to have joined Navajo County as the coal community development manager,” Callaghan said. “My top priority right now is getting to know community organizations and stakeholders throughout the region showing up, listening and learning how to support their work.”
Before joining the county, Callaghan, who holds a master’s degree in public administration from Texas A&M University, worked with the National Association of Counties on its Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities program in Washington, D.C., where he learned from coal-region leaders across the country about the challenges of economic diversification.
Early in his tenure, Callaghan is focusing on mapping energy projects throughout the region, from the Hashknife Solar Project near Joseph City to the Chevelon Butte Wind Farm west of Snowflake, to better understand their stages of development and the number of jobs they’re providing.
“It’s unlikely that any single project will replace all the jobs lost when the power plants closed,” he said. “But by focusing on attracting many different kinds of projects, we can replace those jobs in the aggregate — kind of a ‘Moneyball’ approach to economic development,” referencing the movie starring Brad Pitt, about the Oakland Athletics’ approach to hire numerous young talented athletes over fewer more expensive seasoned players.
Callaghan said he sees two key strengths for Navajo and Apache counties moving forward: alternative energy and advanced manufacturing. Projects like ZenniHome, which manufactures modular smart housing units, demonstrate the potential for innovation and steady job creation in northern Arizona.
“I’m really excited to work with our partners to provide as much opportunity for Navajo County residents as possible,” he said.
The Coal Community Development Manager position is part of Navajo County’s broader effort to support long-term economic diversification following the decline of coal-based industries that once powered the region. The role will coordinate with local governments, workforce agencies and private developers as new industries begin to take root.
