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Congratulations to the 2021 NADO Photo Contest winners and runners-up! This year, nearly 100 images were submitted from members across the country that demonstrated what makes their regions great places to live, work, and play. Images were judged in five categories: “Strengthening the Built and Natural Environments,” “Building Vibrant Places,” “Investing in Our Regional Economy,” “Sustaining Our Communities,” and “COVID-19 Response & Recovery.” A “People’s Choice” winner was also chosen online by the public via our Facebook page.
Thanks to all of our members who participated this year and congratulations again to our winners! Remember, it’s never too early to start snapping creative photos for next year’s contest.
To view all of the photos that were submitted in this year’s contest, click here. Please direct any questions about the contest to Brett Schwartz at [email protected].
Organization: Buckeye Hills Regional Council (OH)
The Story:
In July 2021, representatives from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA) joined Buckeye Hills Regional Council staff in Marietta, Ohio, to see ARC investments in action. In this picture, ARC Federal Co-Chair Dr. Gayle Manchin and Buckeye Hills Executive Director Misty Crosby (foreground), as well as ARC Executive Director Brandon McBride and GOA Director John Carey (background) were on a walking tour of Marietta’s historic downtown. From critical infrastructure to career readiness, recovery-to-work, the creation of a vibrant downtown, and collaboration and strong community partnerships, Dr. Manchin and the leadership of the ARC and GOA saw firsthand the ways these investments are having a real impact in Appalachian Ohio.
At left is the entrance to the historic Peoples Bank Theatre, which was redeveloped in part with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Buckeye Hills Regional Council. After sitting dormant for 30 years, the century-old venue underwent a $7.5 million rehabilitation, reopening in 2016. Today, the 940-seat Peoples Bank Theatre is one of the leading cultural institutions in southeast Ohio and hosts the region’s largest variety of live entertainment, presenting more than 100 events each year, including concerts by national touring artists, theatrical performances, and films. These events generate more than $1.5 million annually in ticket revenue and over $1 million in additional downtown spending.
Organization: Region XII Council of Governments (IA)
The Story:
This photo showcases new homeowner Ivy Heitoff (left) and Amy Milligan, loan officer at Home State Bank, Jefferson, in front of the first Homes for Iowa house in Jefferson, Iowa. The home was constructed in 2019, placed in early 2020, and Heitoff purchased the home on December 31, 2020. This home was the first home delivered within the state and before being purchased, served as the model home for the Homes for Iowa program as it is featured in the program’s Matterport informational video. Homes for Iowa is a program where inmates in the Iowa Prison system construct stick-built homes in Newton, IA at the correctional release facility. From there, the homes are transported to communities throughout the state. This program creates opportunities for affordable workforce housing, homeownership, and job skill development. The Homes for Iowa concept is based on the Governor’s House program in South Dakota, which has been in place since the mid-1990s.
This particular home was developed by Region XII Council of Governments. The development was made possible by funding through the City of Jefferson, the local Housing Trust Fund, Greene County, and the Greene County Redi Mix. Funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank, HOME, and a local bank mortgage financed the purchase of the home.
Organization: East Central Iowa Council of Governments (IA)
The Story:
The Sutliff Bridge, located in Johnson County approximately 6 miles south of Lisbon, IA, spans the Cedar River. It allows non-vehicle traffic to cross the river, enabling recreationalists to access the outstanding primitive recreation and Native American history of the Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area. The bridge was constructed in 1898 and uses Parker trusses. This unique feature helped it gain recognition in the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. In the Flood of ’08, the Sutliff Bridge suffered the loss of its eastern span as floodwaters slammed into it. The bridge was restored and reopened in 2012, allowing it to again become a popular destination for recreation. This photo was taken for the 2041 Lisbon Comprehensive Plan and leveraged in social media posts to highlight a valuable regional amenity. It reflects the cultural significance of the area’s relationship with water and a forward-thinking philosophy. The Sutliff Bridge is a place of calm, peace, and fun for area residents and will continue to be a cultural icon for many more generations of East Central Iowans.
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) consulted on the City of Lisbon’s Comprehensive Plan. Harrison Freund photographed this bridge as part of the project. ECICOG assists in creating vibrant, forward-thinking communities and in building a collaborative and resilient region. Jointly created by 6 counties in 1974 , ECICOG exists to serve the Benton, Linn, Jones, Iowa, Johnson, and Washington County communities.
Organization: Northern Maine Development Corporation (ME)
The Story:
Open for business! McElwain’s Strawberry Farm is one of the hundreds of family farms in Aroostook County, Maine. Visitors to the region experience local flavor through the fresh produce, preserves, honey, and maple syrup sold from the roadside stands that dot the northern end of US Route 1. The Northern Maine Development Commission has worked diligently to highlight open businesses ready to serve customers as the region continues to navigate through COVID-19 pandemic relief programs to sustain businesses in an unforeseen economic climate. This simple flag signals perseverance and the continuation of agricultural traditions.
Organization: Piedmont Triad Regional Council (NC)
The Story:
Pictured here are the staff members of Piedmont Triad Regional Council. They are “Workplace Ready” and leading the way in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. The staff are all wearing Nightingale masks and standing six feet apart. Executive Director Matthew Dolge is holding the Workplace Restart signage which identifies that “This Workplace is Ready!”
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted workplaces across the country. Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) and Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board (PTRWDB), acting as the regional conveners, brought together government agencies and industry leaders to immediately address the crisis. The Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board, in partnership with the Mask the City program, launched the Workplace Restart initiative that provided employers with up to two Nightingale masks per employee and COVID-19 safety training. PTRWDB contracted 180 Skills to develop a two-module program to train employers and employees on COVID-19 safety precautions. With the help of CARES funding, PTRC supplied organizations in the region with masks, training, and signage. PTRC and PTRWDB are continuing to lead the way in helping organizations in the region maneuver this ongoing crisis.
Organization: Clearwater Economic Development Association (ID)
The Story:
Partnership is at the heart of regional development and this photo shows it at its best: local youth and agencies working and learning together. Pictured are the Pierce, Idaho Clearwater Basin Youth Conservation Corps (CBYCC) crew and youth from the Northwest Indian College Youth Cultural Enrichment Academy (YCEA) working together to build Beaver Dam Analogue (BDA) structures at Musselshell Meadows under the guidance of the Nez Perce Tribe’s Watershed Division. These BDAs will benefit stream restoration efforts by mimicking a natural beaver dam. Qe’ciyew’yew (“Thank you”) to the YCEA for working and sharing their culture alongside the CBYCC and to the Watershed Division staff for investing in our youth!
CBYCC is a collaboration between partners across North Central Idaho including Clearwater Economic Development Association, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, and other public, private, and non-profit partners dedicated to land management and natural resource conservation. The program employs 30 youth seasonally on six crews across the region to support workforce development while also providing work experience for local youth and accomplishing productive work benefitting the Clearwater region. Clearwater Economic Development Association is proud to provide management services to the CBYCC to connect its most valuable economic resource – its youth – to local natural resource sectors.
Organization: Upper Cumberland Development District (TN)
The Story:
To some people this might look like a normal city square, but it is much more. This is the fruits of the labor of many organizations coming together to create a vibrant courthouse community. The Town of Livingston, TN is rapidly growing and having the courthouse at the center of the town is something residents take great pride in. From the square you can easily walk to one of the many parks, concert venues, and locally-owned shops and restaurants in the area. With a little over 4,000 residents, the Livingston’s elected leadership works in conjunction with the Overton County Chamber of Commerce, the Upper Cumberland Development District, and other partners to look for various funding agencies that encourage the growth the town is currently seeing. This picture in particular shows the vast improvements the town has made by using funds from Tennessee’s Economic and Community Development’s Tennessee Downtowns grant. Various storefronts have had signs, awnings, windows and more updated recently. Livingston is currently seeking additional funding to help other locally-owned businesses.
Organization: Bi-State Regional Commission (IL/IA)
The Story:
The mighty Mississippi River joins the communities of the Quad Cities, located in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. With a population of over 425,000 and deep agricultural roots, the Bi-State Region’s industrial riverfronts are being reinvented as human-focused places to live, work, and play. Key factors in these evolving landscapes include: a decline in agricultural manufacturing, the modernization of aging infrastructure, the departure of several riverboat casinos for land-based operations, the risk of increased flooding due to extreme weather and climate change, and a spike in interest in urban riverfront living.
Bi-State is proud to assist in these efforts through its programs and technical assistance to local government members. The Bi-State Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) as well as metropolitan and regional transportation plans provide a foundation for revitalization and resilience. Assisting communities with comprehensive land use plans, trail planning, and recreational development contributes to the quality of life goals within the Bi-State Region. The Quad Cities Iowa/Illinois MPO Extreme Weather and Transportation Resilience Report was prepared for the metropolitan area to identify critical and vulnerable facilities in relation to extreme weather events. Relatedly, members are also served by hazard mitigation planning assistance. While the Mississippi River is an international tourism draw, it is also subject to more frequent and longer-duration flooding where preparedness and resilience are important components to regional sustainability. These efforts will ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy this treasured river for generations to come.
Organization: Sweetgrass Development (MT)
The Story:
Kathleen Woodford, Sweetgrass Development’s Administrative Assistant, woke up early one morning in March 2021 to capture this stunning view of snow geese passing through the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, one of the most beloved attractions in Teton County, MT. Hundreds of thousands of snow geese, tundra birds, and other avian commuters come to Freezeout Lake as an annual rest stop on their ancestral journey to Canada. The majority usually arrive in late March and many other species visit in the summer and fall, making the lake a dazzling year-round wildlife venue for tourists and residents alike. Located just a short drive away from Choteau, MT and Fairfield, MT, both with burgeoning business communities, Freezeout Lake exemplifies the vitality and promise to be found in north-central Montana, which is why Sweetgrass Development features this image on its official website to welcome employers and workers to the five-county region.
Organization: Upper Savannah Council of Governments (SC)
The Story:
Long-term discussions on addressing one of county residents’ areas of greatest need culminated in an exciting announcement in Greenwood, SC this summer. A ribbon cutting was held July 19, 2021 at the Greenwood County Courthouse to commemorate the launching of new public transportation offerings which began on July 1. Greenwood County has contracted with MAT to provide these transit services. S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Secretary Christy Hall, Third District SCDOT Commissioner Pamela Christopher, and members of Greenwood County Council, Greenwood City Council, Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, and McCormick Area Transit (MAT) were among those who participated in the ribbon cutting. Public transportation service for a small fee is available to anyone of any age living within the service area of a 2.5-mile radius of the County Courthouse. Approved trips include medical appointments, grocery store shopping, and pharmacy visits. Trips must be reviewed and approved at least one day before travel. It is hoped that the service area will gradually expand to cover residents of the entire county. Upper Savannah COG was pleased to serve as a facilitator in this process and looks forward to expanding this model to other regional counties.
Organization: Pennyrile Area Development District/City of Madisonville (KY)
The Story:
Peering up at the bright lights, Keaton Rigney, age 4, and Shea Rigney, age 6, are two of the over 270,000 visitors that went through Madisonville City Park for “Deck the Park” in Madisonville, KY. Like it was for so many towns throughout the country, 2020 was an extremely challenging year for the residents of Madisonville due to COVID-19. The city transformed the park for the city’s first-ever drive-through Christmas light show in 11 short days so that residents could experience the free event from the safety of their cars and feel hope and joy throughout those challenging times. As you weaved through the festive landscape, there were beautiful large Christmas decorations, multicolored light displays, the pictured 168-foot light tunnel with a snowy ending, Liquid Fireworks by Waltzing Waters, Inc set to Christmas music, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus waving from their cozy cottage. The City of Madisonville, KY team hoped that all of the attendees, including the Rigney children, left the event knowing that there’s light and hope at the end of the tunnel.
© 2022 National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the NADO Research Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Regional Development Researcher Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
At NADO, Andrew conducts research on the newest economic and community development best practices from Economic Development Districts across the country. He helps produce easily digestible information on complex regional issues through case studies, tip sheets, and research reports. Andrew also hosts training and professional development opportunities including conference sessions and virtual webinars for member regional development organizations.
Andrew is one of our Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.
Jack Morgan came to the NADO team in 2022 after seven years with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a Program and Senior Program Manager. Prior to NACo, Jack was a Policy Analyst for Friends of Southwest Virginia. Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.
As a NADO Senior Program Manager, Jack leads capacity-building and peer-learning work supporting energy communities in economic transition, regional resilience, and recreation economies. He also helps with the EDA-Austin training program Emerging Leaders.
Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) in the Regional & Intergovernmental Planning division. He also serves on the Emory & Henry College Alumni Board.
Taking road trips, reading non-fiction, and indulging in top-notch barbecue and coffee round out Jack’s days. He loves maps, mountains, and of course, all things sports.
Karron Grant joined the NADO team in 2023 as Administrative Specialist and is the first face (or voice) you’ll see or hear when reaching out to NADO. As Administrative Specialist, Karron manages our database and coordinates NADO event operations. He ensures members’ needs are met, contact information stays current, and NADO’s office is running efficiently.
Karron came to NADO after four years in the classroom teaching at The New Century School and Old Mill Middle North where he received the Patriot of the Year award. He attended Towson University and the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a bachelor’s in international studies and humanities.
Visiting art galleries and museums, playing basketball and bowling, and taking in movies and music are some of Karron’s interests and hobbies.
Deputy Executive Director Laurie Thompson has been with NADO for 25 years. Laurie helps keep the NADO and NADO Research Foundation wheels turning through management of the daily operations of the Research Foundation, securing financial resources and overseeing grants management, and helping execute NADO’s Annual Training Conference each year.
Laurie holds a bachelor’s in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College and a master’s in health services administration from The George Washington University. Prior to NADO, Laurie spent time as a Field Specialist and an Eagle Staff Fund Director at First Nations Development Institute.
When she’s taking a rare reprieve from her NADO work, Laurie enjoys traveling domestically and internationally to visit friends and family.
Jamie McCormick joined the NADO team as a Policy Fellow first in 2019, then moved into her current role as Legislative Associate in 2021. As Legislative Associate, Jamie keeps NADO members apprised of any policy and regulatory issues and communicates NADO’s policy priorities to federal stakeholders and partner organizations. She is also the first stop for members with inquiries on policy issues. The planning and execution of NADO & DDAA’s annual Washington Conference is also managed by Jamie.
Jamie holds a dual bachelor’s in political science and international relations from The State University of New York College at Geneseo and a master’s in international development studies from The George Washington University. In addition to her roles at NADO, Jamie also worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.
Outside of her NADO work, Jamie is an active volunteer with the VOLO Kids Foundation and a fundraiser for YMCA youth programs. She is also NADO’s resident baker regularly providing treats for those in NADO’s D.C. office. Traveling, taking her pup on walks, and hiking in the northeast keep Jamie busy.
Brett Schwartz began at NADO in 2012 as a Research Fellow after earning his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The following year, he was promoted to Program Manager and has now been leading as an Associate Director since 2018. Brett is responsible for managing NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), as well as researching and monitoring the latest trends in regional economic development and resilience, including best practices for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With more than a decade of experience on the NADO team, Brett is a dynamic relationship builder helping connect and build capacity among the national network of regional development organizations.
Brett also holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a certificate in mediation training. He’s a member of Catalyst Grantmakers of San Diego and Imperial Counties and was a participant in the 2021-22 Field Trips to the Future Cohort.
Brett is one of NADO’s West Coast team members residing in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending time outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and soaking up life as a parent of two young children.
Communications Manager Katie Allison joined the team in 2023 to lead the strategic communication efforts of NADO. Katie creates and develops print and online materials, communicates NADO’s updates to members via weekly emails, and maintains content for nado.org and NADO’s social media channels. She also works with different departments to generate new ideas and strategies to effectively describe and promote the important work NADO is doing for EDDs and RDOs across the country.
An experienced nonprofit communications professional, Katie has worked for organizations in western North Carolina for nearly a decade. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from Wingate University where she was a four-year student athlete. Katie has also completed Vision Henderson County, a comprehensive leadership development program that promotes informed and committed civic volunteerism.
Katie stays busy trying to keep up with her two young sons whom she enjoys exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with. Traveling to new and favorite places and cheering on the Atlanta Braves are some of her family’s favorite pastimes.
Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig has been a member of the NADO team since 2021, and helps with NADO’s EDD Community of Practice, EDD staff capacity building and other grants on a range of subjects, including equity and solar energy. Before NADO, Ciara worked as a Planner for the County of Santa Barbara and an Assistant Project Manager for REM Consult. Ciara holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and French from Bryn Mawr and a master’s in urban studies from Ecole d’Urbanisme de Paris.
When she’s not traveling, you can find her outrigger paddling and serving on the board of the Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama, CA, near her home base of Santa Barbara.
Carrie Kissel has been a member of the NADO team since 2005 when she began as a Research Fellow. She later moved into the roles of Program Manager in 2006, and then Associate Director in 2011. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. As Associate Director, Carrie oversees NADO’s work in rural transportation and rural wealth creation. She provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues and develops training and peer exchange events on transportation issues and rural wealth creation as an economic development strategy.
Carrie is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and secretary of TRB’s Rural Transportation Issues Coordinating Council. She is also a member of the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology.
Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies, and she organizes and facilitates a DEI/social justice-focused book club in her community.
Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Regional Development Researcher since February 2023 and is the Principal Consultant at her own firm specializing in wealth-based economic development consulting. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Melissa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role as a Regional Development Researcher. Melissa provides in-depth research, coaching, and training on regional economic resilience, rural wealth creation strategies, and economic development.
Melissa is a North American Food Systems Network trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator and a WealthWorks coach, facilitator, and trainer. In addition to her professional work, Melissa serves on the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, on the board of the Hinesburg Community Resource Center, and on the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee.
A true outdoorswoman, Melissa enjoys cross country and downhill skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as yoga, and teaching Tai Chi.
Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.
She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.
In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for documented H4 Dreamers.
Krystal DeLeon joined the NADO team in October of 2020 as Database & Grants Manger, but in January of 2022 transitioned to her current role as Operations Manager. Krystal keeps NADO running through behind the scenes work of invoicing, solving any database issues that may arise, producing membership reports, and much more. Her organizational skills and thorough knowledge help the NADO team operate more efficiently across all departments.
Prior to NADO, Krystal was the Conference Services Coordinator for State Services Organization. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a licensed realtor, and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Liberty University. When she’s not keeping NADO’s operations in order, Krystal enjoys running and rock climbing, and adventuring with her husband and son.
Senior Program Manager Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.
An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.
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Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.
Joe has thirty-one years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.