Holt-Rabb appointed director of EDD

After two years in the position, it’s official: Sylnovia Holt-Rabb is Austin’s new director of Economic Development. Holt-Rabb has worked for the city for 21 years, serving as acting director of the department since March 2020. According to a press release announcing the hire, during her tenure, the EDD “launched 13 unique pandemic-related financial assistance programs distributing more than $50 million to aid individuals, nonprofits and small business.” The department oversees operation of the Cultural Arts Division and Small Business Program, among other things. “I’m honored to be appointed as the city’s next Economic Development director and look forward to continuing in this leadership role to assist local businesses with the resources they need to be successful enterprises,” Holt-Rabb said in a statement to the press.