R. Scott Waterfall, 54, was named last week as the city's new director of community and economic development, replacing Dave Harmer, who is retiring.

Waterfall said he expects to carry on with Harmer's work, particularly one project: inking the final deal to bring Jet Aviation to Ogden.

The Swiss company has been looking for a hub to serve the West, and Ogden is well situated, Harmer said.

Jet Aviation announced last May that it had signed a letter of intent with Kemp Development Inc. of Ogden to open a new Midcoast Aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul center to go along with a new fixed-base operator at Ogden-Hinckley Airport.

It is expected to add 200 jobs at the building constructed by Colorado-based Adam Aircraft. That company was expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the city, but filed bankruptcy midway through its expansion in Ogden.

Mayor Matthew Godfrey recruited Waterfall, the attorney said. The City Council approved Waterfall's hiring to the $100,000-plus job.

Waterfall acknowledged tight credit could make his job difficult since businesses need financing to grow.

Still, he said, “Strong and stable companies are continuing with their development strategies.”

Waterfall intends to remain a South Ogden Justice Court judge, serving one evening a week, he said.

A married father of seven, he has bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Weber State University, and his law degree is from Brigham Young University.