David Rumbarger serves as president/CEO of the Community Development Foundation. CDF is a 64-year-old comprehensive economic development organization comprised of the Lee County Council of Governments, Tupelo Area Chamber of Commerce, the Renasant Center for IDEAs incubator, and Lee County’s industrial parks, industrial buildings and economic development program.
Under Rumbarger’s leadership, Site Selection ranked Tupelo/Lee County #5 in the U.S. for micropolitan projects, capital, and job growth for 2019. The area was also ranked the #40 Small Market in the U.S. for 2019 by Wallet Hub for Entrepreneur and Small Business Development.
Rumbarger is the team leader for the location of the Toyota Prius plant at the Wellspring Project Site in Pontotoc, Union, and Lee Counties. In December 2008, he led the team to retain the 1200-person Cooper Tire and Rubber.
Rumbarger’s professional experience includes president and CEO of Conway Data, vice president of sales and service of Progress Energy, and president/secretary with the Area Development partnership in Hattiesburg. He has also served as a member of the governor’s cabinet in Alabama and directed the Alabama Department of Economic Community Affairs.
Rumbarger has an undergraduate degree in public administration from Auburn University, master’s in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an executive management certificate from Duke University.
