Paris, Tenn.–Jessica Crouch has been formally named the Community Development Director for the city of Paris.
City Manager Kim Foster said, “Jessica assumed the position of Community Development Director officially when Jennifer (Morris) retired. She will be doing much of the same things as Jennifer, but we have rearranged a little bit within the Building & Codes and Planning Departments.” Jennifer Morris retired last week after a lengthy career with the city and a public reception was held in her honor, at which she was awarded the Henry County Loyal Patriot Award and the city of Paris’ Marquis de Paris Award.
According to Foster, Crouch’s primary responsibilities will be grant administration, Planning Commission organization and agendas and plans review. She is also responsible for managing the city’s new Community Engagement Coordinator and Risk and Compliance Coordinator.
Crouch started at the city in January of 2021 as Foster’s Administrative Assistant.
Foster said, “When I was interviewing for that position I was on the lookout for someone who might be able to grow into filling the Community Development Director position when Jennifer retired. Jessica was all I was looking for and so much more! From the beginning she amazed me constantly with her work ethic, drive, desire to learn something new everyday and her exceptional ability to work with a team.”
Crouch can just as easily be a “worker bee” as a leader, she said. “As a young mother with small children she is faced with balancing a busy and often stressful work environment with her responsibilities at home. I often refer to her as a unicorn because, for her age, she is the exception to the millennial stereotype.”
“Jessica has a very bright future and I hope and pray that she spends her career with the City of Paris because she is, and will continue to be, a blessing to us!!” Foster said.
Crouch said she has had great mentors in Morris and Foster and looks forward to her new position with the city.