WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Board of Directors ratified a slate of seven new economic development leaders to serve two-year terms on the organization's Board of Directors. The board also approved leadership positions for 2027 at the October 25 Board meeting during IEDC’s Annual Conference in New Orleans. All Board and officer terms begin on January 1, 2027. 

“We are pleased to welcome our new Board members who bring considerable experience, innovation, and enthusiasm for advancing economic development,” said IEDC Board Chair Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Regional Economic Partnership. “I look forward to working alongside these leaders as we develop programs, tools, and resources that will benefit communities around the globe. Their vision and leadership will be instrumental in driving IEDC into the next 100 years of success.” 

IEDC is commemorating its 100th anniversary this year. For a century, IEDC has played a pivotal role in elevating the profession, equipping economic developers to maximize opportunities, and navigate complex challenges.  

“I’m truly honored to serve as IEDC’s incoming Board chair, especially during this momentous time,” said Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of the Atlanta Beltine and current Board vice chair. “With our talented, dynamic team, we will remain at the forefront of supporting economic development practitioners.” 

IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle added, "In our 100th year, we have much to celebrate, and we will build on our momentum with this new group of exceptional leaders. We are excited about the perspectives and experiences the seven new board members bring to the organization. As IEDC and the economic development profession continue to grow, their leadership will be critical.” 

IEDC’s Board is composed of 55 voting members who serve as stewards of IEDC’s vision, mission, values and resources. They serve two-year terms, for up to four terms. The Board is led by four officers: chair, immediate past chair, vice chair, and secretary/treasurer. Board members serve on standing committees led by chairs and vice chairs.  

2026 Chair of the Board 
Clyde Higgs, President and CEO, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (GA) 

Immediate Past Chair 
Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP, President and CEO, Las Vegas Regional Economic Partnership (NV) 

Vice Chair of the Board 
SeonAh Kendall, CPA, Economic Health Director, City of Fort Colins (CO) 

Secretary/Treasurer 
Chris Masingill, CEcD, CEO, Louisiana Central (LA) 

Committee Leadership 

Stakeholder Engagement Standing Committee
Chair: Julie Curtin, President, Economic Development, Development Counsellors International (CO) 
Vice Chair: Scott Marquardt, CEcD, President, Southwest Initiative Foundation (MN) 

Future of Economic Development Standing Committee
Chair: Mandi Mitchell, CEcD, FDIP, President and CEO, Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LA) 
Vice Chair: Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee (MD)

Global Community and Awareness Standing Committee
Chair: Dennis Fraise, CEcD, Develop This! Podcast (IA) 
Vice Chair: Jolene Schalper, CEcD, EDP, EDFP, Executive Vice President, Great Falls Development Alliance (MT)

Organizational Excellence Standing Committee
Chair: Jared Smith, CEcD, President and CEO, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MD)
Vice Chair: Tray Hariston, Esq., CEcD, Partner, Economic Development Attorney, Butler Snow LLP (MS)

New Board Members (Two-Year Terms) 

• Kristina Cannon, President & CEO, Main Street Skowhegan (ME) 

• Kim Denton, CEcD, Economic Development Director, University of Tennessee IPS/CIS (TN) 

• Jim Eldridge, CEcD, Economic Development Manager, Oklahoma Gas and Electric  

• Jason Giulietti, FDIP, President & CEO, Central South Carolina Alliance 

• Kimm Lauterbach, President & CEO, REDI Cincinnati (OH) 

• Justin McLaughlin, CEcD, Executive Vice President and COO, Tulsa Regional Chamber (OK) 

• Rafael Prikladnicki, President, Invest RS (Brazil)

Current Board Members (Renominated for Two-Year Terms) 

• Clare Barnett, Director Business Growth Services, City of Toronto 

• Joi Cuartero-Austin, CEcD, Sr. Program Officers & Director of the Illinois Main Street, Main Street America 

• Haldane Davies, PhD, Director, Bureau of Economic Research, U.S. Virgin Islands 

• Taylor Davis, CEcD, Senior Director, Workforce Development & Partnerships, Elevate Rapid City 

• Dennis Fraise, CEcD, Founder & Host, DevelopThis! Podcast 

• David Griggs, CEcD, President and CEO MetroHartford Alliance 

• Tray Hariston, Esq., CEcD, Partner, Economic Development Attorney, Butler Snow LLP 

• Cynthia Johnson, PhD, CEcD, Director, Pinellas County Economic Development 

• Heather McDaniel, CEcD, EDFP, Chief Economic Development Officer, Center for Economic Growth 

• Josh Mejia, Economic Development Executive, B10x 

• Jolene Schalper, CEcD, EDP, EDFP, Executive Vice President, Great Falls Development Alliance 

• Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council 

• Jared Smith, CEcD, President & CEO, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation 

• Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee 

• Joy Wilkins, CEcD, HLM, Principal, Serving Communities, LLC. 

• Rob Williams, EDP, Director, Department of Economic Initiatives, SourceLink 

• Cornell Wesley, Executive Director, Prosper Portland 

About IEDC  

IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, utilities, and a variety of other institutions. 

IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. It provides learning, networking, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals worldwide. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.