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Meet North America's Top 50 Economic Developers

The Top 50 Economic Developer Award by Consultant Connect is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of economic developers across North America. This accolade honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in driving economic growth and prosperity in their communities. Economic developers play a vital role in fostering business expansion, job creation, and overall economic vitality. The Top 50 Economic Developer Award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to their regions by implementing strategic initiatives, forging partnerships, and leveraging resources to stimulate economic development.

 

 Through their vision, leadership, and collaborative efforts, awardees have successfully attracted investments, supported local businesses, and enhanced the competitiveness of their communities in the global marketplace. Consultant Connect’s recognition highlights the importance of economic development efforts in fueling sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for residents. Winners of the Top 50 Economic Developer Award serve as exemplars of excellence in the field, inspiring others to emulate their success and drive positive change in their respective regions. 

North America's Top 50 Economic Developers of 2025

Adam Murray

Tennessee Valley Authority

April Gray

Alabama Department of Commerce

Barbara Koldos

New North, Inc.

Brad Reams

Great Plains Development Authority

Cari Meloche

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

Caroline Mungenast

Birmingham Business Alliance

Conor Eckert

Orange County Partnership

David Ginn

The Charleston Regional
Development Alliance

Emma Keserich

Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

Heather Ledbetter

Oncor Electric

Jenny Zeilfelder

Carrollton Economic Development

JT Warren

Greater Winston-Salem Inc.

Karen Davison

Chester County Economic Development

Kyle Touchstone

Raleigh Economic Development

Lauren Bryson

Focus Central Pennsylvania

Leigh Seeger

Jefferson County Economic
Development Corporation

Marc Hoenstine

Duke Energy Florida

Megan Lucas

Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance

Melanie Sheldon

Nevada Governor’s Office of
Economic Development

Nick Triska

Greater Portland Inc

Patrick O'Malia

City of Streetsboro

Ray French

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Robyn Sellers

City of Nampa

Steve Fritsch

Team NEO

Tim Mroz

The Right Place, Inc.

Amy Hilliard

City of Prattville, Alabama

Ayla Brandt

Miami-Dade Beacon Council

Ben Williamson

City of Farmers Branch

Brian Garcia

Mesilla Valley Economic
Development Alliance

Carlos Guzman

Fort Bend County Economic
Opportunity & Development

Chad Quick

City Of Altoona, Iowa

Daniel Beaty

South Carolina Department of Commerce

Doug McDonald

City of Plano, Texas

Gina Rittinger

REDI Cincinnati

Jennifer Brown

Palmetto Railways

Jerry W. Jones Jr.

Pflugerville Community
Development Corporation

Julia Boas

Roanoke Regional Partnership

Kevin Jackson

Shoals Economic Development Authority

Lakesha Mathis

Greater St Louis Inc

Lauren Slusher-Mitchell

Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, Office of the Governor

Luke Peltz

Lincoln Partnership for
Economic Development

Matt Hurlbutt

Greater Rochester Enterprise

Meghan Huber

The City of Citrus Heights (CA)

Mike Kamerlander

Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP)

Pat Hickey

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership

Randi Mason

Decide DeKalb Development Authority

Rob Denham

Invest Atlanta

Ron McMahan

Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Thomas Maynard

Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Victoria Lynn Pratt

Forward Wichita Falls

Read Our 2025 Mid-Year Site Consultant Report to Learn the Latest

At Consultant Connect, our 40+ annual site consultant events offer invaluable insights into industry trends, community marketing strategies, and best practices for economic development agencies. We’ve gathered the most impactful information from our network of experts and compiled it into a concise, easy-to-read report tailored to fit your busy schedule.