IEDC Celebrates Eleven Professionals
as 2024 Industry Leaders

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is proud to name eleven exceptional professionals as 2024 Industry Leaders. 

As the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for economic developers, IEDC commends these individuals for their dedication, innovation, and significant contributions to the field. They will be recognized on February 23 during the 2025 Leadership Summit in Washington, DC.

“The Industry Leaders program was created to highlight those who go above and beyond for their communities,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated extraordinary vision, bold leadership, and a deep commitment to economic development. Their actions are driving transformative change, and we are thrilled to acknowledge their efforts.”

These professionals have led groundbreaking initiatives, strengthened economic resilience, and made a lasting difference in the communities they serve. Their work continues to inspire new approaches and set the stage for future advancements.

The 2024 Industry Leaders are:

• Community Partner Award
  Willy Duncan | Sierra College (CA)
  
  
• Congressional Leadership Award
  Representative Rick Larsen | U.S. Congress (WA)
  
  
• Congressional Leadership Award
  Senator Shelley Moore Capito | U.S. Congress (WV)
  
  
• Economic Developer of the Year Award
  Lawrence McKinney | Norman Economic Development Coalition (OK)
  
  
• Federal Leadership Award
  Claudette Fernandez | U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (MD)
  
  
• Future Leader Award
  Heath Vescovi-Chiordi | Pima County (AZ)
  
  
• Honorary Life Member
  Jim Fram | Community Growth Strategies (MO)
  
  
• Honorary Life Member
  Mike Kirchhoff | Ameren Illinois (IL)
  
  
• Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award
  Dan Henderson | Town of Gilbert (AZ)
  
  
• Lifetime Achievement Award
  Michael Langley | Langley Economics (SC)
  
  
• Public Sector Champion Award
  Gary Batton | Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (OK)