About the SEDE Network

The SEDE Network is a forum for top State economic development and commerce officials — including secretaries, commissioners, agency CEOs and executive directors — and their deputies to exchange information, learn from one another, and advance the practice and impact of economic development across the nation. This website is built to support the work of these executives.

The Network’s activities and direction are governed informally by a Steering Committee of State executives:

  • Sandra Watson, Steering Committee Chair, President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority
  • Don Pierson, Vice-Chair, Secretary of Economic Development, Louisiana Economic Development
  • Lisa Brown, Director, Washington State Department of Commerce
  • Michael Brown, Executive Director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
  • Sophorn Cheang, Director, Business Oregon
  • Christopher Chung, Chief Executive Officer, The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
  • Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism – Office of the Governor
  • Andrew Deye, Vice President, JobsOhio
  • Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership
  • Joan Goldstein, Commissioner of Economic Development, Vermont Department of Commerce and Community Development
  • Mike Graney, Deputy Secretary, West Virginia Department of Commerce
  • Alicia Keyes, Secretary, New Mexico Economic Development Department
  • Kevin McKinnon, Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
  • Mike Preston, Secretary, Arkansas Department of Commerce

The SEDE Network engages in regular activities and events throughout the year to include:

  • In-person meetings
  • Periodic webinars
  • Producing white papers on relevant topics
  • Commenting as a group on federal regulatory or other policy proposals
  • Tracking the impact on states of federal policies
  • Other activities determined to be of interest to network members

The SEDE Network is funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts with co-investment from the member states covering member and staff time and travel expenses. Network members greatly appreciate the generous support from Pew.