Carter At Center Of Questions Concerning $750,000 Transfer

Amarillo Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Kevin Carter appears to be at the center of what may be a conflict of interest. At question is the transfer of money – $750,000 from the AEDC to The RANGE (Regional Accelerator & New Growth Engine).

The RANGE was formerly known as Amarillo Global Food Hub.

There were rumors of meetings taking place at City Hall last week involving Carter, Mayor Cole Stanley, City Manager Grayson Path, and members of The RANGE.

At question is the fact that Carter is not only the President and CEO of The Amarillo AEDC, but he is also the Board Secretary of The RANGE. Therefore, transferring three quarters of a million dollars from the AEDC to The Range, in most eyes, should be considered a conflict of interest. 

The money was transferred in January of 2023 for what, according to a receipt provided by The RANGE, was payment of dues for 2023, 2024 and 2025. This amounts to $250,000 per year. It also would have been pre-payment at that time for the following two years. 

The City of Amarillo has confirmed to KGNC it has knowledge of the transfer and the meetings of last week, but says, “The city is currently investigating the specifics of this matter, but as this is an ongoing investigation, we are not at liberty to provide any comment at this time.”

We have reached out to Kevin Carter, and are waiting for his reply.