Through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), the NADO Mentor Program pairs experienced EDD Executive Directors with new Executive Directors to facilitate knowledge and information sharing across the national network of EDDs. These pairings provide valuable organizational and personal development for new EDD Executive Directors. 

2025 Program Key Dates:

Applications Open: April 24th, 2025

Applications Close: May 9th, 2025

Mentor/Mentee Pairings Announced: May 15th, 2025

Kickoff Meeting: May 26th, 2025

Mentors are expected to: 
  • Meet with your Mentee on a regular, mutually-agreeable schedule. 
  • Meet with NADO Research Foundation staff on a quarterly basis for brief check-in calls. 
  • Treat your Mentee with respect as a fellow RDO leader. 
  • Discuss the challenges facing the Mentee’s organization or region and offer advice or recommendations.
  • Build a professional, working relationship with your Mentee.
Mentees are expected to: 
  • Meet with your Mentor on a regular, mutually-agreeable schedule over the next year. 
  • Meet with NADO Research Foundation staff and other program participants on a quarterly basis.
  • Treat your Mentor with respect as a fellow RDO leader and be responsive to advice or suggestions.
  • Build a professional, working relationship with your Mentor. 
“I got a lot of information on staff evaluations, board management, ED reviews, policies and procedures, and related material. It was all really informative and I took the pieces I could use and began modifying for my own organization to implement. I also got really good feedback on where to start on a housing program which we've been looking into for a bit.”
“This mentorship has had a tangible and lasting impact,
and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated.”
“Participating in the mentorship program has been an incredibly valuable experience for me and for our organization. My mentor provided thoughtful guidance and practical resources that helped me effectively communicate the value of RPC membership to our board. As a result, the board unanimously approved an increase in our membership dues—our first since 2017—and adopted a tiered dues increase annually through 2032.”
Questions?
Contact Joe D’Antonio at [email protected].

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