EDC President & CEO to Retire
After 13 years at the helm of EDC, President & CEO Julie Meier Wright announced her retirement , effective June 30.
"Julie has done a spectacular job leading what is considered one of the best economic development organizations in the country," said Debbie Reed, Chairman of EDC.
Julie has transformed the organization from one highly dependent on a single public contract, to a private-sector-driven organization with a strong board of directors and leadership spheres that have made a real impact in the region and in the state.
Among her regional initiatives, Julie led the passage of TransNet, the $14-billion transportation measure, and led the region's successful efforts to retain and grow its military presence in the most recent round of base closures.
Julie received numerous leadership awards including Director of the Year for Not-for-Profit Boards, and Director of the Year for Companies in Transition by the Corporate Directors Forum; she's been ranked as one of the "Women Who Move the City" and "50 People to Watch" by San Diego Magazine; she received the "Women of Distinction" award from Soroptimist International; the Junior Achievement's San Diego Hall of Fame Lifetime Laureate Award; and San Diego Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award.
Julie's retirement celebration is May 5 at the Lodge at Torrey Pines from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The reception is sponsored by Barney & Barney, Cox Communications San Diego, Cushman & Wakefield, and Ernst & Young.
Click here to register.
Chairman Debbie Reed says the board's goal is to ensure a smooth transition and hire a new CEO to take EDC to even greater levels, focusing on job growth and competitiveness. EDC's Executive committee has selected a search committee and expects to name Julie's successor by the end of June.