NADO Annual Training Conference 2022
October 15 – 18
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh
NADO’s 2022 Annual Training Conference Re-cap
Thank you to all NADO members, federal agency staff, and others who convened in Pittsburgh October 15 – 18 for NADOS’s 2022 Annual Training Conference. With over 400 attendees, the conference energy was strong, and the city was abuzz with regional development practitioners and policy makers. Conference attendees represented 160 different organizations, including 128 RDOs, and came from 40 states plus DC, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa.
Learning Lab workshops covered a variety of topics—strategies to share your successes to your various stakeholders; becoming an effective EDD executive director; redeveloping brownfields as part of an economic strategy; equity and inclusion; strengthening partnerships between EDDs and states; and effective EDD leadership. Roundtables and conversation cafés provided opportunities for attendees to share ideas and seek solutions from peers. Best practice sessions covered metrics for success; tapping into BIL funds; CEDS, with a focus on resiliency and recovery; digital inclusion for broadband; riverside development; workforce development; age-friendly communities and regions; main streets and placemaking; RDOs and housing; outdoor recreation and the economy; state association best practices; and much more. Visit the conference program to learn more about the sessions and events.
Plenary sessions throughout the conference covered a host of topics. Philanthropic futurist Trista Harris, President of FutureGood, challenged attendees to predict their region’s futures and be prepared for the coming realities their communities will face. Attendees also learned about strategies that Pittsburgh and the Northwest Commission (Oil City, PA) are employing to evolve from “Rust Belt to Smart Belt” through partnerships with schools, community members, higher education, and industry to re-envision workforce development through STEM education. U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Craig Buerstatte provided insights and updates about EDA’s current programs.
During the conference, many of the 107 2022 Impact Award Winners participated in the Impact Awards Reception where they showcased their projects. This year’s class of awardees included 71 NADO members form 21 states. And all 90 photos submitted during this year’s Photo Contest were shared throughout the conference, recognizing the five winners. Thank you to all NADO members who submitted their projects and photos to these contests. Not only do they share your accomplishments with your peers and a national audience, but they are also useful to NADO staff for advocacy purposes, case studies, and reports.
During NADO’s 2022 Annual Business Meeting, held on the final day of the conference, the Association elected the 2022 – 2023 Executive Committee:
Thank you to Three Rivers PDD (Pontotoc, MS), Pennsylvania Local Development Districts, and MarksNelson (St. Louis, MO) for sponsoring the conference!
Questions
Questions about registration? Contact Krystal DeLeon at [email protected]
Questions about the hotel? Contact Brittany Salazar at [email protected]
Questions about content? Contact Laurie Thompson at [email protected]
To view PDFs, use a viewer such as Adobe Reader.
The early bird registration deadline was September 25, 2022.
| Early Bird | Late Bird | |
|---|---|---|
Associate & General | $700 | $720 |
Partner & Sustaining | $675 | $695 |
Platinum & Platinum Plus | $650 | $670 |
Diamond | $630 | $650 |
Spouse | $300 | $320 |
Student | $150 | $150 |
Non-member | $850 | $870 |
Registrants who cancel their registrations will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.
To substitute a registrant, please contact NADO’s Operations Manager, Krystal De Leon at [email protected]
Become one today to get the member discounted rate!
600 Commonwealth Place | Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Where Pittsburgh’s famed three rivers meet soaring skyscrapers, Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh awaits to offer you an inspired experience in the heart of downtown. Its located within walking distance of Heinz Field, PPG Paints Arena, PNC Park, the Cultural District, and 80+ restaurants, bars, entertainment venues & shopping.
From Pittsburgh International Airport
Taxi cabs can be found on the lower level of the Landside Terminal (underground access is available from the Airside Terminal). It can take 30 – 45 minutes to get to the hotel, depending on traffic. The average fare is about $50. Valet parking at the hotel is available for $35/day.
28X Airport Flyer bus service can be found directly outside baggage claim. The closest stop to the Wyndham is Liberty Avenue. It takes approximately 45 minutes from the airport to Liberty Avenue. The cost is $2.75 each way (as of August 24, 2022). Tickets can be purchased at a ticket machine at Lower Level Baggage Claim, Door #2 or you can pay on the bus but note that exact change is required.
Driving (Valet parking at the hotel is available for $35/day)
From the North: Take 79S, merge onto 279 S to Pittsburgh. Exit 1A on left to Ft. Duquesne Boulevard. Turn right at Stanwix Street. Stay right on Penn Avenue. Turn right on Commonwealth Place.
From the South: Travel 79N, merge to 376 E via exit 59A to Pittsburgh. Exit 70A to Liberty Avenue. Turn left on Commonwealth Place.
From the East: Take 376W, exit 70D on left to Stanwix Street. Turn left at Ft. Pitt Boulevard. Turn right on Commonwealth Place.
From the West: Take 376 E, exit 70A to Liberty Avenue. Turn left on Commonwealth Place
From Airport: Go North on Airport Blvd and bear slight left to exit Airport. Take 376E towards Pittsburgh to 279N. Exit at 70A for CONSOL Center and take Blvd of Allies/Liberty Avenue exit. Make left at end of ramp onto Commonwealth Place.
Conference Agenda
NADO’s 2022 ATC will offer over 30 plenary and concurrent sessions, learning labs, conversation cafés, and mobile workshops that fall under three tracks: Organizational Capacity Building, Regional Resilience, and Infrastructure and Regional Development. Sessions have been designed specifically for RDO executive directors, staff, and board members. Click here (PDF) for the latest agenda.
Fun and Interesting Things to Do in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is an exciting city that has much to offer for everyone! Diverse neighborhoods full of amazing restaurants, a broad spectrum of entertainment venues, professional sports teams, hiking and running trails, museums, art galleries, and much more! The downtown area is very walkable, and the city has a robust bike share program and a free fare zone on the light rail in the downtown area. Check out the city’s official tourism site, VisitPITTSBURGH, for all the details! Here is a brief list of some of the many things happening in October.
Know Before You Go
NADO welcomes you to this year’s Annual Training Conference (ATC) in Pittsburgh, PA on October 15-18, 2022. The reference guide found here (PDF) contains general information to help participants prepare to attend the conference.
Three Mobile Workshops have just been added to the agenda. All three require pre-registration and an additional fee. You can register here, even if you have already registered for the conference! See more information for each workshop below.
Brownfields Tour: A Visit to Hazelwood Green and RIDC Mill 19
Saturday, October 15, 2022 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required; additional fee of $40
This tour, hosted by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) and Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) team, will visit a major redevelopment project that is transforming a former mill and industrial plant into a mixed-use neighborhood. Hazelwood Green is located on 178 acres along the Monongahela River, part of Pittsburgh’s Greater Hazelwood neighborhood and the historic site of Jones & Laughlin Steel Company’s first industrial plant. RIDC Mill 19 is the first development on the Hazelwood Green site. It is the catalytic redevelopment of one of the mills at Hazelwood Green and has been transformed into a green, sustainable advanced manufacturing research center. The mill’s steel superstructure supports the largest rooftop solar array in the U.S., generating over two million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, enough electricity to power 380 homes. RIDC Mill 19 is home to advanced manufacturing and autonomous innovation partners including Carnegie Mellon University’s Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) and Manufacturing Futures Initiative, Catalyst Connection, and Motional, and its third and final building will be completed in 2022.
Pittsburgh’s Downtown Riverfronts—A Walking Tour of Revitalization in Action
Sunday, October 16, 2022 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required; additional fee of $15
Riverlife is a nonprofit organization formed in 1999 to create a plan for the redevelopment of Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfronts. Working from the feedback of the community, Riverlife released a vision plan in 2000 for Pittsburgh’s 15-mile, an 880-acre loop of riverfront parks, trails, and public open spaces. The riverfront park system has been realized piece by piece, with Riverlife working with landowners, developers, neighborhood groups, and elected officials to build and connect Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfront experience. Through Riverlife’s leadership, more than 85% of the 15-mile loop has been established and improved for public use. In 2022 Riverlife released the Completing the Loop plan for how they intend to close the remaining gaps and make major improvements to the loop over the next decade. The organization has led a $132 million investment in Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfront experience over the past 15 years which helped catalyze nearly $4.2 billion in total riverfront and adjacent development in downtown Pittsburgh. The tour will be led by Riverlife staff and will take participants on a walking tour to the West End Bridge to see this development in action. Please note the tour will include stairs and the walk will be about 3 miles.
The Carrie Blast Furnaces: Then & Now
Monday, October 17, 2022 | 1:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Pre-registration is required; additional fee of $40
Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006, Carrie, as it’s affectionately known, entices visitors to marvel at the scale and legacy of its industrial might. A remnant of the legendary U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works, the Carrie Blast Furnaces are a vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry. On the tour, you’ll hear stories about the site’s technology (including why it is nationally significant) as well as get to know the culture of its workers. You’ll also learn a bit about the iron-making process, from the movement of the raw materials to the tapping of the furnaces that produced fiery molten iron. The tour will also highlight how creatives, from guerrilla artists and graffiti writers to curators and designers, have been inspired by—and left their mark on—this revered landscape, highlighting contemporary art installations, graffiti murals, the Iron Garden, and the famous Carrie Deer.
Promote your products and services to over 500 community and economic development policymakers and practitioners as a sponsor or exhibitor at NADO’s 2022 Annual Training Conference!
Take advantage of this chance to get your company’s name and message in front of more than 500 regional development policymakers and practitioners from almost 200 organizations from around the nation as a sponsor at NADO’s 2022 Annual Training Conference. Conference sessions will be held in the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. Conference sponsors and exhibitors can receive special room rates at the Wyndham.
Conference attendees include councils of governments, economic development districts, economic development councils, regional planning commission executive directors and staff, and numerous local policy officials who serve on their boards. These decision makers are the perfect audience to provide information to about your company’s products and services.
Conference sponsors and exhibitors will reach many, many more regional development stakeholders by being recognized as a conference sponsor on all NADO conference marketing materials, including our website (www.nado.org), which receives a significant number of hits. As a sponsor or exhibitor, you will also get a cost-effective opportunity to market products and services to a diverse network of local elected officials, city managers, regional council staff, and development professionals in our conference exhibit area. Sponsors and exhibitors are able to attend conference meals and events, providing maximum opportunities to meet face-to-face with potential clients.
For more information, view our 2022 Sponsor Brochure and our 2022 Exhibitor Brochure, or contact NADO Meetings and Membership Manager Brittany Salazar at [email protected].
Mobile Tour
Learning Labs
NADO 101
Learning Labs
Learning Labs
Conference Welcome and Opening Plenary: The Future Started Yesterday
Concurrent Sessions
Rust Belt to Smart Belt: Autonomy, Economic Development, and STEM Education Models for Inclusion, Change, and Vibrant Communities
Concurrent Sessions
EDD Leadership Lab: Reaching New Heights
Concurrent Sessions
Plenary Breakfast
Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions
President’s Award Luncheon
To view PDFs, use a viewer such as Adobe Reader. To view Word documents, check out access options here.
Ethan Simon began as a Research Fellow at NADO in January 2025 after earning his bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, with minors in Law and Society and Geographic Information Science. During and after his undergraduate studies, Ethan built experience across state government, transportation advocacy, and nonprofit policy work, including positions with the Maryland General Assembly, the Government Affairs Department of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and as a Government Relations and Advocacy Intern for the National Council of Jewish Women. Ethan currently serves as Chair of Government Affairs for the SEPTA Youth Advisory Council, where he leads advocacy efforts to expand public transportation funding and strengthen transit planning throughout the Philadelphia region.
At NADO, he supports rural energy planning initiatives by contributing research to the Rural Energy Academy and assisting with broader programs focused on rural energy development and policy impacts on rural communities.
Now residing in Washington, D.C., Ethan enjoys playing basketball and football in his free time, as well as traveling. He is interested in U.S. history, sports, and geography, is a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, and hopes to one day compete on Jeopardy.
Juliette Wilder is the Manager of Government Relations for the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), where she supports congressional and executive branch outreach, coalition building, and advocacy efforts on behalf of more than 500 regional development organizations (RDOs) nationwide.
Prior to joining NADO, she was a Senior Policy Associate at Boundary Stone Partners, where she specialized in clean energy policy analysis, federal funding navigation, and legislative advocacy. In this role, Juliette coordinated with the Department of Energy on multi-million-dollar clean energy projects, spearheaded congressional and executive branch initiatives, and built partnerships to advance innovation in the energy transition.
She holds a Master’s degree in Global Environmental Policy from American University and a Bachelor’s in International Studies. Her academic research focused on energy equity and the Justice40 Initiative.
When not working, Juliette can be found community gardening, bouldering, or hiking.
Michael Matthews is the Director of Government Relations for the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), where he leads congressional and executive branch outreach, coalition building, and advocacy efforts on behalf of more than 500 regional development organizations (RDOs) nationwide.
With over a decade of experience, Michael combines policy expertise with political acumen to advance federal policies that promote equitable community development, economic competitiveness, rural growth, economic mobility, and quality of place. Before joining NADO, he served as the Legislative Director for Community, Economic & Workforce Development at the National Association of Counties (NACo), collaborating with county officials to shape policies affecting local governments in areas such as housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Michael held various policy positions at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Office of Congressman Anthony G. Brown (D-Md.), and contributed to several political campaigns across the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Salisbury University and a master’s degree in public administration from Wilmington University. A native of Delaware, he now resides in Lake Ridge, Virginia, with his wife and daughter.
Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 as a Regional Development Researcher after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at NADO-member organization West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District.
Now serving at NADO as a Program Manager, 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 holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. He is one of NADO’s three Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.
As Director of Programs, Jack Morgan manages the portfolio of NADO’s training, research, capacity-building, and other grant-funded programs and activities of the NADO Research Foundation. Jack previously served as a NADO Senior Program Manager and Associate Director, leading work supporting energy communities and the training programs for Emerging Leaders.
Jack joined 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 and interned for Mount Rogers Planning District Commission (VA). Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.
Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) 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.
Kar’ron 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, Kar’ron 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.
Kar’ron 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 Kar’ron’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 in 2019 and now serves as a Senior Manager of Member Services. In this role, she supports NADO’s engagement with its membership, helping ensure members stay connected, informed, and supported. She assists with programs, communications, and events that strengthen relationships across the organization’s network.
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.
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 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.
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 and currently serves as Associate Director, Transportation. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. In her role at NADO, Carrie provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues. She also 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 serves as chair of the TRB Standing Committee on Transportation in Rural Areas.
Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies.
Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Wealth Creation Specialist 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 providing 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.
Senior 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.
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 a 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.
Applications cannot be saved and returned to at a later time. It is recommended you compile all of your information in advance in a word processor and cut and paste into the application below.
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 more than 30 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.