Jim Eldridge

Jim Eldridge is a community and economic development professional with experience in entrepreneurial ecosystem building, rural economic development, and urban redevelopment. He is currently an Economic Development Manager with OGE Energy Corp. where he works to support communities to build the capacity for growth through strategy, technical assistance, and research services.

Jim previously served as the President and CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation in Ada, Oklahoma, where he led work to secure significant federal funding for economic development infrastructure and technology-led programs, including an Economic Development Administration Build to Scale Venture Challenge award in 2021. Prior to joining the Ada Jobs Foundation, James was Executive Director of the Uptown 23rd District Association in Oklahoma City, and has led multiple urban research projects, including research on food truck entrepreneurs in Oklahoma City.

James currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the International Economic Development Council’s Accredited Economic Development Organization Committee and is the President for the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Planning Association. He has previously served as President of the Oklahoma Business Incubator Association, as Treasurer of the Oklahoma Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team, and as a Board Member of Select Oklahoma. James is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), graduate of the OU Economic Development Institute. He holds a Master’s in Regional and City Planning from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).