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. 

Applications are open until Friday, July 17, 2026.

If you have been the executive director of an EDD for seven years or more and are interested in being a mentor, please apply here.

If you have been the executive director of an EDD for five years or less and are interested in being a mentee, please apply here.  

Pairings will be made based on the preference of both mentor and mentee, including meeting cadences so as to best fit the schedules of both mentor and mentee. These pairings will last from July 13 to June 31, 2027.

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.

Through the EDD CoP we are able to provide a $500 stipend to compensate them for their personal time spent on this program.

Mentees are expected to:
  • Meet with your Mentor on a regular, mutually agreeable schedule over the next year.
  • Meet with NADO 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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