Committees & Working Groups

Economic Development Committee

EDC’s core committee is comprised of investor representatives who convene to discuss and set annual priorities to grow San Diego as an innovation leader in breakthrough technologies, from fusion energy commercialization and defense innovation to life sciences, cybersecurity, and clean energy. Meetings are held quarterly on February 6, May 1, August 14, and November 6, 2026.

Chair: Kevin Pegels, Illumina

EDC Contact: Yavuz Basaran

Global Competitiveness Council (GCC)

A group of business, academic, government, and civic partners, who oversee World Trade Center San Diego and implementation of the region’s overarching trade and investment strategy. GCC advises on WTCSD programming, generating public support, financial resources, and coordination mechanisms for the broader strategy; as well as periodic trade issues and investment policy recommendations on behalf of the region. Meetings are held quarterly on March 23, May 27, September 24, and December 3, 2026.

Co-Chairs: Scott Chadwick, Port of San Diego; and Monique Rodriguez, Qualcomm

WTCSD Contact: Sophia Antonopoulos

HR Forum

The HR Forum is comprised primarily of human resource executives from the largest private employers in our investor base. The forum provides a peer network and the opportunity to discuss challenges and share best practices as the world of work continues to evolve. Meetings are held quarterly alternating between in-person and via Zoom. Meetings are held quarterly on January 19, April 30, July 30, October 22.

Chair: Laura Garrett, TaylorMade Golf; and Karen Reinhardt, ASML

EDC Contact: Enya Castañeda

Anchor Collaborative

EDC Contact: Eduardo Velasquez

Research Advisory Committees

EDC produces a variety of research products, including industry sector economic impact reports. We engage volunteers to form advisory committees comprised of industry experts to guide each study. Advisory groups will meet as needed for the topic and building an informed analysis. We will soon assemble advisory members for a report in clean energy and fusion, among others.

EDC Contact: Eduardo Velasquez

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is responsible for recommending nominees to serve on the board, monitoring governance and compliance issues, such as annual audits, and providing recommendations to the board on compliance matters. Members are appointed by Executive Committee.

Chair: Janice Brown, Meyers Nave

EDC Contact: Lauree Sahba

Employer Working Groups

Through a data-driven, employer-led process, Employer Working Groups convene a diverse group of regional employers to assess anticipated demand for critical jobs and map relevant skills and competencies to share with local training programs. This collaborative effort aims to effectively communicate overall demand trends and bolster the local pipeline of talent in San Diego, connecting employers with high-quality sources of talent. Insight from these working groups will be used to inform regional workforce development investments.

EDC Contact: Bridgette Coleman

Investor Lunches

EDC hosts frequent informal lunches as a platform for investors to provide input on EDC’s programs and initiatives. Lunches are hosted by EDC’s executive team and are included as a benefit of investment in EDC.

Behind the Scenes Tours

EDC hosts periodic behind-the-scenes tours and briefings, offering investors a unique access to exclusive regional assets. Past tours and activities have included the new Comic-Con Museum, military installations, FBI briefings, NASSCO, and various other cutting-edge companies.

Lunch with an Elected Official

On a periodic basis, EDC hosts small groups of investors for informal lunch-and-learn sessions with regional elected officials who are asked to share their economic development priorities for San Diego. These are not fundraising or campaign-related events.