Name: SeonAh Kendall, CPA

Position: Economic Health Director

Organization: City of Fort Collins

Years In Economic Development: 10

Years As A Member of IEDC: 10

What is a podcast or book you recommend?

Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

What was the first IEDC event you attended?

2014 Fort Worth, TX IEDC Annual Conference

Why did you choose to join IEDC?

When I entered the economic development field, I wanted to immerse myself with innovative, forward-thinking practitioners, and IEDC was the place to do this.

How has being a member of IEDC benefitted you and/or your organization?

The relationships I have built through IEDC have benefitted myself and my organization. I am able to connect with folks and discuss best practices, lessons learned, and so much more. We have done annual trade missions with peer communities and/or aspirational cities, and the relationships I have built have helped us get the most out of these visits.

What IEDC event do you look forward to attending each year?

Annual Conference. I love connecting with my fellow economic development practitioners, and I find so much value of the sessions. My favorite is always the ignite session from IEDC awards.

Is there a project your organization is currently working on that you are excited about?

Recovery Plan

How has your organization adapted to support your community and/or clients during the pandemic?

We have really banded together to make sure we can support our residents and businesses. There is no longer an us vs them, and it is instead "how do we help our community survive and thrive in this new environment?"

What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished this year that you are most proud of?

The outreach and connections with our businesses owned by women and people of color. We have struggled with this in the past. We brought on a bilingual business specialist, and that has been super helpful.

What are some ways you hope you and your organization can continue to support your community and/or clients?

Specific areas on talent, diversity, equity and inclusion and technical assistance.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Audio Book or Podcast?

Podcast

Favorite Movie?

The Notebook

Favorite Book?

Brene Brown's Dare to Lead

Night Out or Night In?

Night Out

Dress-shoes or Sneakers?

Dress Shoes

What is something you like to do in your free time?

Playing tennis, having drinks with family and friends.