Northampton County Executive Director John Brown has tapped Diane Donaher as the county's first economic development director since the days of Executive Glenn Reibman.

Donaher was confirmed by County Council in a 6-2 vote at its Jan. 23 meeting. Council members Ken Kraft and Bob Werner voted against the nomination. The remaining council members, with the exception of an absent Lamont McClure, voted yes.

Donaher previously served as Bethlehem's Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development for three years between 1998 and 2001. She left that position to become a voiceover artist and has also worked in several short-lived nonprofit jobs, from United Way to SkillsUSA. She is the founder of 3D Non-Profit Resources, which provides consulting advice to nonprofits.

Her husband, Dean Donaher, is the director of student services at the Bethlehem Area School District.

Her starting salary will be $80,113 with room to grow to $114.039.

Werner criticized the nomination, saying, "[w]e need people that have a stronger background." Kraft was critical, too, noting that the salaries paid for these positions demands "a real powerhouse of economic and community development."

During her confirmation hearing, Donaher said she "knows the players" and she criticized county staff for what she said is a lack of outreach.

"What they need is some one to lead and get out there in the community," she said.

She also said she has worked on a Bethlehem Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ), a special economic development tool in which a property developer receives significant tax concessions for 10 years.