Committees

Click Here to download the volunteer form. Please send to matthew@sedc.org or fax to (404) 523-0406.

Annual Conference Committee

This committee will work with staff to plan and execute the Annual Conference. Committee assistance is needed in securing sponsorships, planning of educational sessions as well as offsite and special events during the conference. The 2024 conference will be held this July in Savannah.

  • Brian Gwin
    Brian Gwin
    Sr. Industrial Development Manager Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Chair
  • Jana Dyke
    Jana Dyke
    Georgia Certified Economic Development Professional President & CEO Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission
    Member
  • Brandt Herndon
    Brandt Herndon
    EDFP CEO Effingham County IDA
    Member
  • Missy Kendrick
    Missy Kendrick
    EDFP, IOM President Rome Floyd County Development Authority
    Member

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee will create SEDC publications, both printed and electronic, that meet the specific needs of our members.  In partnership with the SEDC staff, committee members will also evaluate the association's technological capabilities to ensure SEDC is providing the best external communications possible.

Additional subcommittees may be development to carry out certain tasks like editing copy, managing social media, developing content, and leveraging technology. These committees will also assist other committees in delivering their messages to the SEDC membership.

  • Kevin Johnson
    Kevin Johnson
    Senior Marketing Manager Kajima Building & Design Group, Inc. (678)457-3804
    Chair
  • Matthew Darius
    Matthew Darius
    Director of Operations Southern Economic Development Council
    Member
  • Gus Fontenot
    Gus Fontenot
    Economic Development Project Coordinator SWLA Economic Development Alliance (337)433-3632
    Member
  • Lafe Jones
    VICE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS Louisiana Central (318)441-3404
    Member
  • Jen Kostyniuk
    Jen Kostyniuk
    Senior Director, Economic Development Dominion Energy (804)310-4776
    Member
  • Ashley Llewellyn
    Ashley Llewellyn
    M.S., CLED Director of Strategic Initiatives St. Tammany Corporation (985)809-7874
    Member
  • Linda Mosely
    Linda Mosely
    CEO/Publisher 365 Degree Total Marketing (912)638-0870
    Member
  • David Petr
    David Petr
    President Marketing Alliance, Inc. (863)956-7474
    Member
  • Maria Satira
    Maria Satira
    Director of Marketing and Communications Greenville - ENC Alliance (252)414-2875
    Member
  • Heath Slapikas
    Heath Slapikas
    Director of Digital Marketing 365 Degree Total Marketing (912)771-8356
    Member
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member
  • Colleen Walton
    Colleen Walton
    Brand Coach Brand Acceleration, Inc. (317)523-6448
    Member
  • Sherri Washington
    Commissioner Rockdale County Gov't (770)882-7198
    Member
  • Mark Weilenman
    Mark Weilenman
    National Sales Director Insyteful (601)672-1356
    Member
  • Stacey Zawacki
    Stacey Zawacki
    Director of Communications Lafayette Economic Development Authority (337)593-1400
    Member

Education Committee

This committee will evaluate the needs of our members for the educational resources that will best equip them in the profession.  They will also provide direction to the various committees with responsibility in planning meetings and providing online educational content. They will be tasked with forward thinking in examining the professional development needs of our members moving into the future.

  • Burdette (Pete) Fullerton
    Burdette (Pete) Fullerton
    PhD, EDFP, CEcD, PCED, HLM Deputy Director KC Aviation Department (816)243-3005
    Chair
  • John Cheney
    John Cheney
    Director of Business Development TTL, Inc. 6153317770
    Member
  • Lisa Collins
    Lisa Collins
    CEcD, EDFP, PCED Executive Director Cook County Economic Development Commission (229)896-2575x1
    Member
  • Kim K. Denton
    Kim K. Denton
    CEcD TCED Program Director University of Tennessee 865-974-8464
    Member
  • Karen Dickson
    Karen Dickson
    CEcD, MPA Economic Development Manager Lower Colorado River Authority (512)578-3291
    Member
  • Shelby Fiegel
    Shelby Fiegel
    Director Community Development Institute Arkansas (501)450-5269
    Member
  • Michael Guadarrama
    Michael Guadarrama
    Economic Engagement Manager ARCO/Murray National Construction Company (615)509-8256
    Member
  • Caroline Harrelson
    Caroline Harrelson
    The Retail Coach
    Member
  • Jenni Harris
    Jenni Harris
    DPA Executive Director of Business Services North Carolina Department of Commerce (984)236-4221
    Member
  • Mark Litten
    Mark Litten
    Vice President Economic Development Putnam County Chamber of Commerce 3863281503
    Member
  • Ashley Llewellyn
    Ashley Llewellyn
    M.S., CLED Director of Strategic Initiatives St. Tammany Corporation (985)809-7874
    Member
  • Thomas Long
    Thomas Long
    CEcD Vice President Temple Economic Development Corporation (254)773-8332
    Member
  • Chris Masingill
    Chris Masingill
    Chief Executive Officer St. Tammany Corporation (985)809-7874
    Member

FDI Committee

  • Courtland Robinson
    Courtland Robinson
    MPA Business Recruitment Brasfield & Gorrie (804)512-4776
    Chair
  • Ron Bertasi
    Ron Bertasi
    CEO GIS Web Tech (404)535-1261
    Member
  • Richard Blackwell
    Richard Blackwell
    SCCED, MPA, EcDMP Vice President of Development Agracel (864)784-5736
    Member
  • James Blair
    James Blair
    Managing Director Navigator Consulting, LLC (678)640-4344
    Member
  • Connor Bradford
    Connor Bradford
    Economic Development: Project Manager Cleco Power, LLC (661)713-2445
    Member
  • James Chavez
    James Chavez
    President & CEO SC Power Team (803)605-0643
    Member
  • Stevie Chavez
    Stevie Chavez
    VP of Regional Sales Strata Platforms (615)517-5505
    Member
  • Uconda Dunn
    Uconda Dunn
    Vice President, Business Development Greenville - ENC Alliance 12527513416
    Member
  • Terrell Ellis
    Terrell Ellis
    Executive Director Advantage Valley Inc. (304)546-7323
    Member
  • Bryan Farlow
    Bryan Farlow
    Regional Director of Economic Development & Site Selection Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co. (615)762-0762
    Member
  • Caroline Frey
    Caroline Frey
    Counsel Parker Poe (843)727-2679
    Member
  • Allison Gamez Pickerel
    Allison Gamez Pickerel
    Senior Manager, Business Development Operations Gray Construction (859)281-9380
    Member
  • Michael Guadarrama
    Michael Guadarrama
    Economic Engagement Manager ARCO/Murray National Construction Company (615)509-8256
    Member
  • Andy Jocham
    Andy Jocham
    Director JCEIDA (205)535-7726
    Member
  • Heather Simmons Jones
    Heather Simmons Jones
    SCCED Director of Southeast Operations MRB Group (864)356-3012
    Member
  • Ron Kitchens
    Ron Kitchens
    Chief Executive Officer Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce (940)723-2741
    Member
  • Chris Knight
    Chris Knight
    COO +447739038219
    Member
  • Philip Land
    Philip Land
    Attorney Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. (864)240-3200
    Member
  • Jody Lassiter
    Jody Lassiter
    JD, MEDP Manager, Industrial Development CSX Transportation, Inc. 859.319.8068
    Member
  • Robert Long
    Robert Long
    CEcD Director Chester County Economic Development (803)377-1216
    Member
  • Thomas Long
    Thomas Long
    CEcD Vice President Temple Economic Development Corporation (254)773-8332
    Member
  • Ashley McIntyre
    Ashley McIntyre
    Business Development Bennett & Pless (678)925-7598
    Member
  • Keith Norden
    Keith Norden
    President & CEO Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation (386)506-9542
    Member
  • Raul Peralta
    Raul Peralta
    Senior VP - Business Development ECS Southeast, LLC (336)856-7150
    Member
  • Will Salters
    Will Salters
    MBA Senior Principal | Director of Client Development & Marketing Terracon (843)203-7287
    Member
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member
  • Bruce Takefman
    Bruce Takefman
    President Research FDI 5142331744
    Member
  • Casey Verburg
    Casey Verburg
    Senior Economic Developer- Industrial (704)464-5412
    Member
  • Charlton Whipple
    Charlton Whipple
    SCCED, MSED, MEDP, HLM VP, Director of Business Development ECS Southeast, LLC (803)250-3373
    Member

Legislative Affairs Committee

As SEDC’s face for federal ED issues, the committee will be the liaison between SEDC and other organizations with similar missions to partner and collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest. They will work to create a strong federal legislative agenda representing the interest of our members, voicing that position when necessary and to recognize those legislators supportive of our agenda.

  • John Cheney
    John Cheney
    Director of Business Development TTL, Inc. 6153317770
    Member
  • Jim DeCesare
    Jim DeCesare
    MBA Sr. Partner The DeCesare Group (270)792-5779
    Member
  • Eric Richey
    Eric Richey
    Associate Advisor SVN BlackStream - Charleston Office 925-858-9710
    Member
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member

Long Range Planning Committee

This committee will concentrate its efforts on the association’s multi-year strategic plan, to include
program and financial planning for the future. 

  • Jenni Harris
    Jenni Harris
    DPA Executive Director of Business Services North Carolina Department of Commerce (984)236-4221
    Member
  • Steven Leyh
    Steven Leyh
    Executive Director Tucker County Development Authority (304)614-8839
    Member
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member

Meet the Consultants Committee

This committee will work with staff to plan and execute the Annual Meet the Consultants Conference. Committee assistance is needed in securing sponsorships, planning of educational sessions as well as offsite and special events during the conference. The 2024 conference will be held in Atlanta, GA this April.

  • Brian Gwin
    Brian Gwin
    Sr. Industrial Development Manager Norfolk Southern Corporation (803)748-1284
    Chair
  • Jana Dyke
    Jana Dyke
    Georgia Certified Economic Development Professional President & CEO Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission 912-283-2112
    Member
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member

Membership Committee

This committee will be charged with developing and implementing a formal membership recruitment and retention campaign for the membership year.  Activities will involve anyone with interest from the membership with the Board of Directors playing a lead role.

  • Christopher Bontrager
    Christopher Bontrager
    MPA Vice President of Retail Development East Montgomery County Improvement District (205)534-4916
    Chair
  • Frank McCrady
    Frank McCrady
    President/CEO East Montgomery County Improvement District (281)354-4419
    Member
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member

Past Chairman Committee

Comprised of Past Chairmen, this committee works with to obtain suggestions and ideas for use by the SEDC Board of Directors to benefit the organization. The committee meets annually at the Past Chairmen’s breakfast during the Annual Conference.

  • Scott Poag
    Scott Poag
    CEcD Director of Business Development Yates Construction (706)726-9706
    Chair
  • Bob Helton
    Bob Helton
    Retired (859)361-2655
    Member
  • Frank McCrady
    Frank McCrady
    President/CEO East Montgomery County Improvement District (281)354-4419
    Member
  • Raul Peralta
    Raul Peralta
    Senior VP - Business Development ECS Southeast, LLC (336)856-7150
    Member
  • Will Williams
    Will Williams
    SCCED, EcDMP President/CEO Western SC Economic Development Partnership (803)641-3300
    Member

Research and Grant Committee

  • Matthew Adkins
    Matthew Adkins
    Executive Director Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance (606)548-8826
    Member
  • Tanner Behrend
    Tanner Behrend
    Funding and Expansion Manager Edgecom Energy (647)821-4416
    Member
  • Ron Bertasi
    Ron Bertasi
    CEO GIS Web Tech (404)535-1261
    Member
  • Edward Burch
    Edward Burch
    Director of Business Development Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (615)878-0016
    Member
  • Shane Chadwick
    Shane Chadwick
    MSED Business Intelligence and Marketing Manager Florida's Great Northwest 850.635.2350
    Member
  • Matthew Francis
    Matthew Francis
    Head of Sales REsimplifi (404)386-5156
    Member
  • Nichole Hair
    Nichole Hair
    Executive Director Mount Rogers Regional Partnership (276)223-4726
    Member
  • Kendra Hayden
    Kendra Hayden
    Director of Community & Economic Development Smyth County (276)780-9829
    Member
  • Sarah Jacobs
    Sarah Jacobs
    President Coweta County Development Authority (636)219-5320
    Member
  • Heather Simmons Jones
    Heather Simmons Jones
    SCCED Director of Southeast Operations MRB Group (864)356-3012
    Member
  • Tanner Jones
    Tanner Jones
    Associate Director of Planning Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners (251)504-3990
    Member
  • Oppie Jordan
    Oppie Jordan
    Vice President Carolinas Gateway Partnership (252)904-4498
    Member
  • Trent Skillman
    Trent Skillman
    Precon (615)438-5408
    Member
  • Lindsay Theobald
    Lindsay Theobald
    CEcD, IOM CEO Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation (731)885-0211
    Member
  • John Zakian
    John Zakian
    Senior Vice President Grantworks, Inc. (914)471-3920
    Member
  • Chris Masingill
    Chris Masingill
    Chief Executive Officer St. Tammany Corporation (985)809-7874
    Chair
  • Grant Cagle
    Grant Cagle
    President and CEO Georgia Economic Developers Association (678)925-7632
    Co-Chair
  • Liz Dobbins-Smith
    Liz Dobbins-Smith
    Managing Director North Carolina Economic Developers Association (888)246-2332
    Co-Chair
  • Matt Tackett
    Matt Tackett
    President Southern Economic Development Council
    Member

Young Professionals Committee

This committee is designed for our SEDC members, age 40 or below and members new to the industry. The committee plans a separate event each year for professional development and other events for networking. Events are held throughout the year at the SEDC’s planned events. 

  • Tyler Chaffee
    Tyler Chaffee
    Target Market Specialist TVA (864)420-5637
    Chair
  • Jeremiah Anderson
    Jeremiah Anderson
    Managing Director (773)680-4424
    Member
  • Amanda Ellis
    Amanda Ellis
    Editor in Chief, Livability.com Livability Media (423)762-2013
    Member
  • Bryan Farlow
    Bryan Farlow
    Regional Director of Economic Development & Site Selection Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co. (615)762-0762
    Member
  • Matthew Francis
    Matthew Francis
    Head of Sales REsimplifi (404)386-5156
    Member
  • Kenneth Rogers
    Kenneth Rogers
    Economic Development Specialist MatchAwards (910)222-4466
    Member
  • Maria Satira
    Maria Satira
    Director of Marketing and Communications Greenville - ENC Alliance (252)414-2875
    Member
  • Kayla Shugart
    Kayla Shugart
    Economic Development Coordinator EquipmentShare (423)255-0486
    Member