40 Things that Inspire the 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Class of 2025

Earlier this year in Washington, D.C., DCI and Jorgenson Consulting had the honor of recognizing the 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Class of 2025, an inspiring group of changemakers who are shaping the future of communities across the country. These rising stars are not only driving innovation and impact in their regions but also redefining what leadership looks like in the field.  

Their passion is contagious, their ideas bold, and their commitment unwavering. But what keeps them going? What inspires them to lead, serve and push boundaries? 

We asked this year’s honorees to share the songs, books, quotes or media that have shaped their journeys and guided their philosophies. The answers are as diverse and dynamic as the winners themselves, offering a glimpse into the minds and motivations behind the next generation of economic development leaders.    

Albert Alwang  

Economic Development Director 
Wake County  

Albert is inspired by ‘1491: New Revelations of Americas Before Columbus,’ by Charles C. Mann, a book that combines his interests in history and Latin America.  

Anita Begnaud  

Vice President   

Virginia Economic Development Partnership  

Anita is inspired by ‘Ask’ by Jeff Wetzler, which encourages leaders to tap into the hidden wisdom of the people around them by asking great questions.  

 

Ibtissam Boulkerch  

Investment Promotion Attaché – Foreign Direct Investment, South Korea  

Investissement Québec International  

“The Magic of Thinking Big” by David Schwartz inspires Ibtissam to see challenges as opportunities for growth and to believe that with the right mindset, any goal is achievable.  

Liberty Boyd  

Manager of Projects  

AEP Ohio  

Liberty is inspired by ‘The Maxwell Daily Reader’ by John C. Maxwell, which provides daily inspiration and leadership advice.   

 

Nathan Burkhart  

Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation  

Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation  

Nathan finds inspiration from a book called Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. The Stoic reflections remind him to focus on what he can control, act with integrity and remain steadfast in the face of challenges.  

 

Dawson Brunswick  

President   

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce  

Dawson finds inspiration in ‘Start With Why’ by Simon Sinek, which emphasizes understanding one’s “why” and the purpose of others to foster better collaboration.  

 

Cierra Clymer 

Director of International Business Development & Inclusive Growth  

REDI Cincinnati  

Cierra is inspired by ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott, a classic that helped shape her beliefs in female friendship, women empowerment and unconditional love.  

 

Archit Dhir  

Director of FDI, London office  

Investissement Quebec  

Archit is inspired by the song ‘Le vent nous portera’ by Noir Désir, which reflects the belief in staying present and making big decisions.  

 

Megan Delgado  

Senior Project Manager  

North Louisiana Economic Partnership  

Megan is inspired by ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins, a memoir that compelled her to examine her personal attributes and pursue a career in economic development.  

 

Hilary Doe  

Chief Growth Officer  

Michigan Economic Development Corporation  

Hilary is inspired by the song ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin, which embodies a ‘won’t back down’ attitude and a tie to both Aretha and Hilary’s home city of Detroit.   

 

Michael Dreiling  

Vice President of Real Estate  

Virginia Economic Development Partnership  

Michael is inspired by ancient philosophical and religious writings that offer fresh insights into modern-day business decisions.  

Marissa Garnett  

Economic Development Project Manager  

Town of Queen Creek, Arizona  

Marissa is inspired by ‘Happiness Falls’ and ‘Miracle Creek’ by Angie Kim, which explore themes of language, identity, immigrant experience and disability. 

Michaeljohn Green  

Chief of Economic Development & Strategy  

Miami Downtown Development Authority  

Michaeljohn is inspired by ‘The Color of Law’ by Richard Rothstein, which provides insight into how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies and challenges. This helps him to reflect and right the scales to provide opportunity in his community.   

Taylor Hutchins  

Director of Business Recruitment  

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce  

Taylor is inspired by Glennon Doyle’s memoir ‘Untamed,’ which speaks to various aspects of her life as a woman, from motherhood to career to faith.   

Danielle King  

President and CEO, TDC NNY   

Danielle is inspired by the song ‘GOOD DAY’ by Forrest Frank, which provides her with perspective on the impact of gratitude, grit and zest.   

Maggie Kost  

Chief Business Attraction Officer  

Greater St. Louis, Inc.   

Maggie is inspired by ‘Broken Heart of America’, by Walter Johnson, a book that helped her understand generational divisions in her community. 

Kevin Kramer  

Director of Economic Development  

Village of Hoffman Estates  

Kevin is inspired by the song ‘Family’ by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, which reminds him of the joy and chaos of family life. 

 

Ashley Llewellyn  

Vice President  

St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation  

Ashley is inspired by The Beatles’ song ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ which reminds her that you can find a small sliver of light if you pause, get quiet and pay attention to the people and things around you. 

Jeff Loney 

Economic Development Manager  

Bruce County  

Jeff is also inspired by ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek, because it emphasizes understanding what motivates people and being a purpose-driven leader.  

 

Troy Mandy  

Director of Real Estate Services  

Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation  

Troy is inspired by Michael Kaufman’s ‘Rooftops and Alleys: Adventures with a City Kid’ because it parallels his own coming-of-age story in Philadelphia in the 1990s and 2000s.  

Humberto Mercader  

Deputy Secretary  

Department of Economic Development Puerto Rico  

Humberto is inspired by ‘Create or Die’ by Andrés Oppenheimer, which ignited his passion for economic development and motivated him to pursue a career in the public sector.  

Jodie Nazaka 

Director of Economic Development  

City of Manchester, New Hampshire  

Jodie is inspired by ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne, which focuses on the power of positive thinking and attracting positive outcomes into one’s life.  

 

Mark Paratore  

Vice President of Business Development  

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)  

Mark is inspired by Ed Sheeran’s song “Thinking Out Loud,” which symbolizes loyalty, commitment and enduring love.  

 

Meghan Richardson 

Economic Development Director  

City of West Point, Georgia  

Meghan finds inspiration in ‘Can You Drink the Cup?’ by Henri J.M. Nouwen, which uses the metaphor of a cup to embrace the life God has given us in all its joys and sorrows.  

Laura Rowley  

Vice President of Life Sciences Economic Development  

North Carolina Biotechnology Center  

Laura is inspired by the song ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ by Carole King, which reminds her of her mom’s love and the type of person she strives to be for her community.  

Kyle Schulz  

Chief Growth Officer  

World Business Chicago  

Kyle is inspired by the song ‘5 Leaf Clover’ by Luke Combs, which reminds him that for all the ups and downs of economic development, he is lucky to work in this industry.   

Sarah Snoeyink  

Community Development Manager  

Michigan Economic Development Corporation  

Sarah is inspired by ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ by Mitch Albom, which emphasizes how meaningful it can be to devote your life through love, community and purpose.  

Allison Stark  

Senior Director of Industry Development  

Empire State Development  

Allison is inspired by the song ‘Hakuna Matata’ from The Lion King, which reflects her belief that while life has challenges, anything can be overcome.   

 

Alison Turner  

Senior Economic Development Researcher  

Argonne National Laboratory  

Alison is inspired by ‘The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze’ by William Saroyan, a collection of short stories that speak to the role of creative people within the economy, the assets and challenges that come with being an immigrant, and the beauty in things we often classify as distinctly unbeautiful.  

 

Tony A. Willis 

Chief Equity Development Officer  

Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)  

Tony is inspired by ‘Almanac of Naval Ravikant,’ by Eric Jorgenson, which offers insights on prioritizing your health, relationships and key factors to get the most out of life.  

 

Jenna Wright  

President & CEO  

Anchorage Economic Development Corporation  

Jenna is inspired by ‘Lean In’ by Sheryl Sandberg, which gave her the inspiration and confidence to seek challenges and pursue her goals as a young woman in a male-dominated field.  

Matthew Adkins  

Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer  

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB and Taney County Partnership  

Matthew is inspired by the quote ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough’ by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.  

 

Will Butler  

Vice President of Business Development  

Detroit Regional Partnership  

Will finds inspiration in ‘The Inner Game of Tennis’ by W. Timothy Gallwey, which offers valuable lessons on overcoming mental obstacles and achieving peak performance.  

J. Brock Herr

Senior Vice President of Business Development  

Indiana Economic Development Corporation  

Brock is inspired by ‘Outliers’ by Malcolm Gladwell, which encourages rethinking the structures that foster or suppress success.  

Elli (Bowen) Houston  

Vice President  

Kansas City Port  

Elli is inspired by the book “Why Simple Wins” by Lisa Bodell because it provides a roadmap for her to focus on removing unnecessary complexity and time-wasting practices from her life.   

 

Justin Kits  

Independent Consultant  

Justin is inspired by ‘Tinkers’ by Paul Harding, a reminder of the infinite beauty and fragility of life.  

 

Shakthi Nagappan  

Chief Executive Officer  

Telangana Lifesciences, Government of Telangana  

Shakthi is inspired by ‘Wings of Fire’ by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, an autobiography that reflects resilience, ambition and the power of dreaming big.  

 

Tom Stipkovich  

Director of Project Management  

One Columbus  

Tom is inspired by ‘Shoe Dog’ by Phil Knight, a memoir that delivers lessons on perseverance, calculated risks and determination.  

Kate Quigley  

Economic Development Champion  

Town of Innisfil  

Kate is inspired by ‘Ego Is the Enemy’ by Ryan Holiday and its focus on humility, collaboration and service above self.  

Thomas Tyson 

Economic Development Representative  

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative  

Thomas is inspired by the poem ‘IF’ by Rudyard Kipling, which emphasizes believing in oneself and being kind, humble, loving and hardworking.  

 

Want to learn more about the 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Awards and Winners? Curious to learn how Development Counsellors International helps market places for business and talent attraction? Reach out to DCI President of Economic Development Julie Curtin at julie.curtin@aboutdci.com.