As part of the EDD CoP, the NADO Research Foundation and its partners offer a variety of virtual and in-person training opportunities for EDD staff and leadership. Below are links to webinar recordings, workshop and conference presentation materials, and other additional resources.
The NADO Research Foundation and Neighbor Works America partnered on this joint training opportunity to connect national networks of EDDs and Neighbor Works America affiliate
The Manufacturing Community of Practice has released a new playbook for measuring regional collaboration on manufacturing sector development. This webinar, hosted by the EDD CoP,
This webinar with the NADO Research Foundation and StateBook highlighted how Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and other Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) can leverage data-driven insights to prepare
This webinar with the International Sustainable Resilience Center (ISRC) and NADO Research Foundation explores how EDDs can best position their regions for disaster preparedness and economic resilience.
The Manufacturing Community of Practice has released a new playbook for measuring regional collaboration on manufacturing sector development. This webinar, hosted by the EDD CoP,
In the second training of the NADO CEDS Peer Exchange Groups, Dell Gines, Chief Innovation Officer at the International Economic Development Council shared tips and
This webinar, conducted for the CEDS Peer Exchange Groups, was led by Alison Turner, Senior Economic Development Research at Argonne National Laboratory. Alison presented on how
This webinar, hosted by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA), highlighted how two Minnesota EDDs have collaborated with the University of Minnesota Extension on the
This webinar discusses strategies for Economic Development Districts looking to engage (or re-engage) with Tribal Governments in the regions they serve. EDA’s Tribal Coordinator joins
With funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Argonne National Laboratory’s National Economic Research and Resilience Center hosts the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) and the Economic Development Capacity Index
In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated its 400th Economic Development District (EDD) and also released updates to its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Content
Rural regions face specific and unique challenges in meeting their regional residents’ housing needs. Rural EDDs across the country are taking on key roles in
As part of the EDD CoP, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) hosted a webinar to highlight how informed planning and zoning decisions can revitalize business districts in urban, suburban, and small towns
The Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) has created a highly successful health and wellness program focused on enhancing the mental, physical, financial, and social well-being of its staff. This webinar with UERPC Executive Director Rachelle Howe covers actionable strategies to implement wellness initiatives and build healthier, more supportive workplaces for staff at EDDs.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has released its long-awaited revision of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200). This webinar, hosted by the NADO Research Foundation and led by Bob Lloyd, covers the highlights of the revised policies which must be implemented by October 1, 2024. It also shows how your organization can confidently use them as you work with partners at the federal, state, and local levels.
Recipients and subrecipients of federal grants must follow revised policies contained in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and codified in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200. Revisions to these requirements will be effective October 1, 2024. To assist RDOs in the transition to the revised rules, NADO sponsored a four-part webinar series that provided detailed coverage of key aspects of the new policies. The series was led by Bob Lloyd.
This webinar, organized by Grow America through the RLF Community of Practice and co-sponsored by the NADO Research Foundation, addressed the fundamentals of Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs), EDA’s RLF program, and how EDDs can leverage RLFs to support the communities they serve.
This webinar demonstrated how the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) and the Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI) tools can be utilized to support your CEDS and other regional planning efforts.
The NADO Research Foundation co-hosted a webinar with the American Connection Corps (ACC) to demonstrate opportunities available to EDDs and other organization to host an ACC Member. This webinar explained how ACC Members can provide valuable resources and expertise to EDDs and included a testimonial from the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission which serves as an ACC host.
In support of the EDD CoP, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) hosted a webinar with Trent Frazier, Deputy Assistant Director for the Stakeholder Engagement Division of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). In the webinar, Frazier discussed what CISA resources and materials are available to EDDs.
This webinar highlighted how EDDs and other regional organizations can assist local communities to better participate in the growing global bioeconomy. It also featured information about the Bioeconomy Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone Initiative that enables economically distressed communities to powerfully leverage biomass assets to serve as anchors for revitalization.
The Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP) and the Revolving Loan Fund Community of Practice (RLF CoP) hosted the RLF 201 Workshop on Tuesday, June 11 at 2 p.m. ET. During the workshop, the presenters – Karen Lynch with EDA, Rick Hunsaker with Region XII Council of Governments, and Mary Louk with Grow America shared their best practices covering multiple topics relevant to RLF operators.
Effective CEDS should emphasize the identification, enrichment, and strategic deployment of workforce assets, focusing on job quality and inclusion. By demonstrating an ability to meet evolving workforce needs through data-supported arguments and targeted upskilling strategies, regions can attract and grow businesses and support workers, all while building regional wealth and fostering economic resilience and equity.
In this first webinar of a series, NADO Research Foundation’s Melissa Levy interviews Region Five Development Commission Executive Director Cheryal Hills about how she got started with WealthWorks, how she began to integrate it into her work, and how she uses it now. Bonita Robertson-Hardy, Co-Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, shared about how WealthWorks relates to the Thrive Rural framework and rural development hubs. Following the guided discussion, participants engaged in a conversation about the greater wealth creation community and what would be most useful to that community moving forward.
This second webinar in the wealth creation series showcases how EDDs can use the eight capitals as a framework for identifying and building on assets in economic development. Kade Jones talks about how Acadiana Planning Commission in Louisiana is using wealth creation in its community prospectuses (through its Opportunity Zone initiative) and its CEDS, through its SWOT analysis, its strategies and its metrics. Eric Smith, of Great Lakes Urban and USDA Extension, speaks through storytelling about how wealth creation has figured into his work in Appalachian Ohio, Uganda and Michigan. This session also provided space for participants to network and discuss ways that they might consider assets in their work.
Rural regions face specific and unique challenges in meeting their regional residents’ housing needs. Rural EDDs across the country are taking on key roles in addressing their region’s housing affordability and accessibility. From housing planning steps, grant writing and financing, all the way to housing development, EDDs are well-equipped to take on a specific-to-their-region role. View the recording of Rural Housing Solutions: EDDs as Regional Housing Changemakers webinar where you’ll hear from NADO First Vice President and Region XII Council of Governments Executive Director Rick Hunsaker and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Senior Community Planning and Development Specialist Erich Yost, who provided concrete examples of how EDDs can meet unmet housing needs in their regions.
In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated its 400th Economic Development District (EDD) and also released updates to its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Content Guidelines.
With funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Argonne National Laboratory’s National Economic Research and Resilience Center hosts the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) and the Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI). NERDE consolidates information and data on economic distress, demographics, the existence and emergence of industry clusters, and COVID-19 impacts to local economies, while the EDCI uses publicly available data to assess critical elements that contribute to a county’s overall economic development capacity. This webinar provided an overview and live demonstration of these tools to show how they can be utilized to support your CEDS and other regional planning efforts.
This webinar discusses strategies for Economic Development Districts looking to engage (or re-engage) with Tribal Governments in the regions they serve. EDA’s Tribal Coordinator joins NADO, FNDI, and the Directors of three EDDs to discuss purpose, strategies, and successes in the space.
This webinar, hosted by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA), highlighted how two Minnesota EDDs have collaborated with the University of Minnesota Extension on the CEDS, technical assistance, and data analysis.
This webinar, conducted for the CEDS Peer Exchange Groups, was led by Alison Turner, Senior Economic Development Research at Argonne National Laboratory. Alison presented on how Argonne’s data tools can be used to inform and strengthen CEDS strategies.
In the second training of the NADO CEDS Peer Exchange Groups, Dell Gines, Chief Innovation Officer at the International Economic Development Council shared tips and tricks for how to use AI tools to support the development of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
The Manufacturing Community of Practice has released a new playbook for measuring regional collaboration on manufacturing sector development. This webinar, hosted by the EDD CoP, explores how EDDs can use this playbook to understand and expand their roles in regional manufacturing ecosystems.
This webinar with the International Sustainable Resilience Center (ISRC) and NADO Research Foundation explores how EDDs can best position their regions for disaster preparedness and economic resilience. You’ll hear about key strategies such as establishing information networks, identifying vulnerabilities, developing action plans, utilizing resilience tools, and much more.
This webinar with the NADO Research Foundation and StateBook highlighted how Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and other Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) can leverage data-driven insights to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters while building long-term economic resilience.
The Manufacturing Community of Practice has released a new playbook for measuring regional collaboration on manufacturing sector development. This webinar, hosted by the EDD CoP, explores how EDDs can use this playbook to understand and expand their roles in regional manufacturing ecosystems.
The NADO Research Foundation and Neighbor Works America partnered on this joint training opportunity to connect national networks of EDDs and Neighbor Works America affiliate organizations.
During this session at the 2023 NADO Washington Conference, EDA and EDD staff reflected on opportunities for collaboration, the latest updates on CEDS guidelines, and
This event in March 2023 brought together nearly 70 participants representing EDDs, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, EDA community of practice partners, and other national
The NADO Research Foundation and EDA Seattle Regional Office hosted an EDD Regional Roundtable in March 2023 that brought together EDD and EDA staff for
Several EDD CoP sessions were offered at this April 2023 conference, which convened staff from EDDs, Tribal Planning Grantees, University Centers, Revolving Loan Funds, and
Several EDD CoP sessions were offered at this May 2023 conference, which convened staff from EDDs, Tribal Planning Grantees, University Centers, Revolving Loan Funds, and
In August 2023, Economic Development Districts, tribes, and others gathered in the Dakotas and Minnesota to attend the kickoff meetings for the USDA-funded North Central Regional
Nearly 30 sessions at NADO’s 2023 Annual Training Conference in Cleveland, OH were offered through the EDD CoP, covering a range of topics important to EDD staff
This event in March 2024 brought together nearly 80 participants representing EDDs, federal partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and
The first-ever EDD Wealth Creation Summit took place in Greenville, SC as part of the EDD CoP. Attendees from EDDs and partner organizations across the country participated
NADO’s 2024 Annual Training Conference in New Orleans, LA brought together nearly 600 regional development staff, board members, federal partners, and others for learning, networking, and exploring
NADO’s 2024 Annual Training Conference in New Orleans, LA brought together nearly 600 regional development staff, board members, federal partners, and others for learning, networking, and exploring projects throughout the region. Many sessions were planned and offered through the EDD CoP. Topics covered included resilience planning, workforce development, housing, aging, the CEDS, wealth creation strategies, and much more.
The first-ever EDD Wealth Creation Summit took place in Greenville, SC as part of the EDD CoP. Attendees from EDDs and partner organizations across the country participated in a mobile workshop, heard a keynote from an innovative cooperative manufacturing partnership, and attended panel and training sessions about a variety of wealth creation topics.
This event in March 2024 brought together nearly 80 participants representing EDDs, federal partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to incorporate data and metrics into the CEDS and other regional planning efforts.
Nearly 30 sessions at NADO’s 2023 Annual Training Conference in Cleveland, OH were offered through the EDD CoP, covering a range of topics important to EDD staff and partners. Below are links to a few featured sessions; click here to access all conference presentations.
– Making it Count: Achieving, Measuring and Reporting Results with Data Analysis
– Looking through the Lens of Wealth Creation: Doing Economic Development Differently
– RDO and Tribal Partnerships
– Equity and Inclusion Fundamentals
– CEDS Content Guidelines and Best Practices
In August 2023, Economic Development Districts, tribes, and others gathered in the Dakotas and Minnesota to attend the kickoff meetings for the USDA-funded North Central Regional Food Business Center led by Region Five Development Commission. Melissa Levy, NADO Regional Development Researcher and wealth creation specialist, designed and developed the trainings as a way to share the wealth creation framework with participants.
Several EDD CoP sessions were offered at this May 2023 conference, which convened staff from EDDs, Tribal Planning Grantees, University Centers, Revolving Loan Funds, and others engaged in economic development across the five-state EDA Austin region.
Several EDD CoP sessions were offered at this April 2023 conference, which convened staff from EDDs, Tribal Planning Grantees, University Centers, Revolving Loan Funds, and others engaged in economic development across the ten-state EDA Denver region.
The NADO Research Foundation and EDA Seattle Regional Office hosted an EDD Regional Roundtable in March 2023 that brought together EDD and EDA staff for training, networking, and sharing opportunities and challenges facing EDDs across the EDA Seattle region.
This event in March 2023 brought together nearly 70 participants representing EDDs, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, EDA community of practice partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to position EDDs for success in achieving regional economic development and resilience.
During this session at the 2023 NADO Washington Conference, EDA and EDD staff reflected on opportunities for collaboration, the latest updates on CEDS guidelines, and how EDDs can effectively engage with an array of federal partners and programs.
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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.
Ryan Collins joined NADO in 2024. He lives in Athens, Ohio, and is passionate about ensuring rural communities thrive and prosper across the country. Ryan has always identified as a helper and has focused his career on serving others in both the public and private sectors. Before joining NADO, Ryan worked as a Policy Manager with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. There he focused on Federal Policy issues and making them more accessible to members.
Ryan also worked with NADO-member organization, Buckeye Hills Regional Council (BHRC). There he served as a Broadband Coordinator and then as a Program Manager leading Ohio’s Southeast Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance, managing BHRC’s State and Federal Appalachian Regional Commission programs, and working in several other programs.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys reading, playing Dungeons and Dragons along with Magic the Gathering, building models, hiking, and spending time with his children (his cats Saturn and Cosmo).
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.
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 a 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.
