Jorgenson Consulting Seeks CEO for Puget Sound Economic Growth Group
January 10, 2018 – The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance has selected Greensboro, NC-based Jorgenson Consulting to assist in its search for a new president and CEO. Todd Jorgenson, the search firm’s managing director and principal, is leading the assignment.
The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance is the working name for a new regional organization created to enhance trade and economic development efforts and bring a broad-based and inclusive economic growth and prosperity for the Puget Sound region in Washington.
The new CEO will be working with the board and regional partners to create a permanent name and brand for the organization. The role involves providing oversight, strategic guidance and management direction to a staff of economic development professionals to support strategic initiatives that will further economic development in the Puget Sound area.
During the initial start-up phase, the CEO is expected to work with the board of directors and stakeholders of the region to develop a strategic plan, then begin implementing the plan. During the start-up phase and into operational sustainability, the CEO will partner with the private sector, associate development organizations, municipal government entities and other organizations to recruit companies and promote trade around Puget Sound.
The Ideal Candidate
The organization is looking for a leader that brings vision, energy and a collaborative mindset to the region. “The CEO will be adept at building trust amongst private and public sector entities,” said Mr. Jorgenson. The individual must have “a strong understanding of the functions of economic development organizations and how they work with other partners to strengthen commerce, and possess a demonstrated knowledge of what it takes to keep the companies already in the region, while attracting companies from domestic and international markets,” he said. The search is expected to take about four months.
The incoming CEO must also have a deep understanding of economic development organizations and how they work with the private and public sector as well as state and federal agencies and community partners to strengthen commerce and the economy, said the firm. The executive must demonstrate knowledge of international business and markets, trade mission development, international protocol and cultural competency
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In addition, the individual must have an understanding of the changing dynamics of the business environment in the Puget Sound region and what is required to attract businesses, said Jorgenson Consulting. The person should have strong character, with emotional intelligence, authenticity and a broad perspective.
The Regional Trade and Economic Development Alliance is a private-public collaborative endeavor intended to foster greater coordination and cooperation within the Puget Sound region to support trade and economic development that is broad based, inclusive and provides an opportunity for all of the region’s residents. The Alliance will begin operations by July 1, with full operations commencing by the beginning of next year.
“This is an opportunity to create a world-class regional economic development organization being supported by public and private sector leaders in a region of the U.S. that is known for its globally competitive market, entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, robust talent pipeline, and high quality of life,” said Mr. Jorgenson.
Serving Economic Organizations
Jorgenson Consulting has been conducting executive searches in the economic and community development space for over 25 years. The firm has performed numerous searches for regional organizations throughout the U.S. Past clients include: Greater Phoenix Economic Council, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Greater Houston Partnership, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Indy Partnership, Greater Louisville Inc., Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, and Greater New Orleans Inc., among others
Mr. Jorgenson specializes in executive searches for non-profit, community and economic development entities throughout the U.S. His experience includes non-profit executive searches, information technology searches, executive compensation, sales operation management, business development and sales.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Will Schatz, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
