Anthony Satarino Appointed as Celina’s New Director of Economic Development

Press Releases
May 2024
Staff Reports

The Celina Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce the appointment of Anthony Satarino as the new Director of Economic Development. Satarino brings to the City of Celina 17 years of extensive experience in economic development and community engagement, marked by a series of remarkable achievements.

Since 2021, Satarino has served as the City of Celina's Director of Strategic Services. In this role, he has been pivotal in aligning the City Council's strategic vision with the organization’s operations, enhancing administrative processes, fostering City Manager communication, and promoting cultural and community affairs as well as organizational excellence.

During his tenure, Satarino developed and implemented numerous strategies, programs, and policies aimed at supporting and encouraging the expansion and diversification of small and local businesses. His notable accomplishments include managing a $3.5-million Downtown façade and improvement grant program, partnering with merchants for promotional events, and building strong relationships with small businesses to communicate City updates on special events, roadway construction, and engagement opportunities.

 Satarino has also been instrumental in supporting the Economic Development Corporation by analyzing economic data, preparing financial models, and providing recommendations on various economic development tools, including Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs), Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), Chapter 380 Agreements, and small business grants and loans. 

“Celina is in an extraordinary position with a solid foundation for development already in place. As the fastest-growing city in the nation, we must focus on strategic, intentional, and sustainable growth. I am grateful to Clint Bissett and the entire Celina EDC Board, the search committee, and the Celina City Council for their trust in my experience and leadership during these exciting times. I intend to continue the vital relationships established with our small businesses and the focus on our Downtown development, balancing the strategic recruitment of larger companies and retailers to fortify and grow Celina’s economy,” said Satarino.

 “We are excited to have Anthony lead our Economic Development Corporation. Celina is experiencing unprecedented growth and with new businesses looking to come to Celina every day, we believe that Anthony will help our small businesses thrive while fostering the growth of our commercial tax base. We are confident Anthony will lead the economic growth that we are so fortunate to have in our beloved City,” said Ryan Tubbs, Celina Mayor.

“We are excited to welcome Anthony as Celina's Director of Economic Development. His extensive experience working with businesses and economic development in the City, combined with his in-depth knowledge of economic development strategies, make him an ideal choice. Anthony has a proven track record of aligning the goals of the Celina EDC Board with those of the Celina City Council. We are excited to have him lead our economic development efforts and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our community,” said Clint Bissett, Celina EDC Board President.

Prior to joining Celina, Satarino served as the Planning Manager for the City of Frisco from 2014 to 2021. In this capacity, he was responsible for the planning, entitlement, and development negotiations within the City's $5 Billion Mile, comprising four mixed-use developments along a one-mile stretch of the Dallas North Tollway.  

These projects represented over $5 billion in investment and required Satarino to navigate complex zoning cases, address adjacent single-family neighborhood concerns, incorporate significant open space, and coordinate a TIRZ district. These efforts resulted in intricate incentive packages totaling over $300 million, involving the City of Frisco, Economic Development, Community Development, and Frisco ISD.

Satarino will officially begin his role as Director of Economic Development in June 2024 with the Celina Economic Development Corporation.

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