[Session Summary]: “Strengthening Regions through Equity and Economic Inclusion Strategies”

In March 2022, the NADO Research Foundation (NADO RF) hosted the session “Strengthening Regions through Equity and Economic Inclusion Strategies” as part of the NADO Washington Conference.  Delivered in support of the New Growth Innovation Network’s Inclusive Recovery Initiative funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, this session explored how regional organizations are incorporating equity and economic inclusion principles into their plans, programs, and outreach efforts to ensure that all residents have an opportunity to be a part of shaping their community’s future.  The panel was moderated by NADO RF Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig.  Click here to access the presentation slides and read more below for highlights from the session. 

Erica Anderson, Director of Economic and Community Development, Land of Sky Regional Council, Asheville, NC

Erica first discussed how the Land of Sky Regional Council (LOS) developed an online data tool called “Racial Disparity in the Land of Sky Region” in recognition that data analysis and visualizing disparities would be an important first step in defining and measuring equity in the region.  The tool features a variety of indicators classified by race and ethnicity, including income, poverty, homeownership, educational attainment, health, and access to technology.  The data is at the county level and utilized information from the U.S. Census.  LOS hopes to continue to update this tool and incorporate even more detailed community-level data to identify and connect underserved residents with opportunities and resources.     Erica also highlighted two initiatives underway in Western North Carolina :  Inclusive Hiring Partners, led by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County with the support of many partners including LOS, and the WNC Recovery to Career Ecosystem, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE initiative and co-organized by LOS and the Southwestern Commission.  Inclusive Hiring Partners connects underrepresented communities with employers ready to fill high-demand roles.  It provides wrap-around services to targeted populations and training to workplaces on inclusive hiring practices and DEI training.  The Recovery to Career Ecosystem program strives to place individuals who have overcome substance use disorder in living-wage jobs through skills training and employer connections. 

Martha Heeter, Executive Director, PlanRVA, Richmond, VA

Martha discussed how PlanRVA, which serves nine localities in the greater Richmond region, has moved to incorporate equity and inclusion into operations and programming.  PlanRVA is also focusing on convening partners, while considering who will be impacted by the organization’s regional and transportation plans.  The 2020 civil unrest nation-wide and in the region led to a perspective shift, particularly regarding in-agency representation.  A 2021 Title VI compliance review also revealed gaps that needed to be addressed.  Martha explained how internally PlanRVA has embraced initiatives including an equitable recruitment strategy, an inclusive purchasing and supplier diversity program, the development of an inclusive meetings toolkit, and staff and partner training.  Ongoing equity and inclusion projects in the region include:  a Richmond Region Market Value Analysis (demographic and economic analysis of COVID-19 impacts on the housing market), the RVA Engage Civic Action Series (webinar series promoting dialogue among residents), the Lower Chickahominy Watershed Collaborative (supporting local governments in eastern part of the region to work with three newly designated tribal areas), and an equity analysis of regional transportation priorities. 

Bernadette Grafton, Program Analyst and University Center Coordinator, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Washington, DC

Bernadette provided an overview of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s role and program vision, noting that EDA’s seven Investment Priorities, which include promoting equity, support regional approaches and are focused on both geographies and populations.  She encouraged the group to review the Investment Priorities list to better understand EDA’s working definition of equity.  Bernadette noted that there are a handful of free federally-funded data sources and tools available that can support with equity and resilience planning, including the Argonne National Labs National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE), Census Poverty Viewer, and StatsAmerica.  She also pointed to equity-focused projects funded by EDA’s Research and Technical Assistance Program, including the American Resilience & Equity Networks Initiative (ARENI), the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Recast City Equitable Lending Leaders training program, and NGIN’s Inclusive Recovery Initiative . 

Amanda Straight, Inclusive Economic Development Advisor, New Growth Innovation Network, Phoenix, AZ

Amanda provided an overview of NGIN’s Inclusive Recovery Initiative, which supports Economic Development Districts and other regional organizations with strategies and approaches to embrace economic inclusion as a core driver for sustainable economic growth.  The three overarching goals of this effort are to create a shared understanding of the barriers to long-term economic competitiveness; to examine the impact of COVID-19 on existing inequality and identify inclusive strategies for recovery and growth; and to support the development of inclusive growth strategies and solutions to be embedded in Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS).  The Initiative includes a community of practice network and a technical assistance package.  The community of practice consists of EDDs that are supported through a resource hub, peer-to-peer sessions, guest speakers, and access to NGIN direct support.  The technical assistance program is assisting six EDDs across the country (one in each EDA region) with analytics on the economic impact of COVID-19, planning assistance to support economic inclusion in the CEDS, and support for implementation.  Best practices to emerge from the TA program will be shared with the wider community of practice. 
More information on equity and inclusion for regional development organizations is available at NADO RF’s Equity and Inclusion Resources for RDOs page. Contact Ciara Ristig at [email protected] or Brett Schwartz at [email protected] with any questions or to learn more.   This session was prepared by sub-awardee the NADO Research Foundation using Federal funds under award ED21HDQ3070009 to the New Growth Innovation Network from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.  The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the participant(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Mirielle Burgoyne serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), advocating on behalf of hundreds of Regional Development Organizations across the country that facilitate community and economic development on behalf of thousands of cities, counties, towns, and villages. In this role, she oversees the association’s advocacy efforts and the development of NADO’s policy priorities and programs. She has more than a decade of experience in the community and economic development field, and throughout her career has focused on improving connectivity between government officials and regional stakeholders to enhance the outcomes of economic development initiatives.
 
Before coming to NADO, Mirielle conducted research on economic development programs in her role at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she advocated for policy solutions to make those programs more effective. Prior to that, she facilitated interagency initiatives while working for the Delta Regional Authority, where she created and administered programs designed to spur economic diversification, disaster resilience, workforce development, and improved health outcomes in the rural Delta region. Mirielle holds a BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland College Park.

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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.

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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).

Haley Schultheis joined NADO in November 2024, bringing a background in association management and nonprofit development. She completed her master’s in Community Development at the University of Detroit Mercy in 2022, where she specialized in human and organizational development practices. Her academic and professional journey has been shaped by interests in systems thinking, capacity building, and anthropology. 
 
At NADO, Haley focuses on research, workshop facilitation, and project management related to local and regional transportation development. She supports project initiatives by designing collaborative processes and helping communities advance strategic planning efforts. Her work often bridges technical analysis with stakeholder engagement to promote resilient transportation and economic development practices. 

In her free time, Haley enjoys drawing, walking, and eating good food! You can check out her cartoon series on Instagram.
Dan Deutsch joined the NADO team as a Research Fellow in 2024. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit communications with particular emphasis on arts and culture institutions, and over 25 years of participating in the performing arts, his interests sit at the crux of placemaking/placekeeping, arts and culture, community engagement, and economic development. Dan holds a dual bachelor’s in communications & culture and theatre arts, and a master’s in professional communications from Clark University.
 
Before joining NADO, Dan had just graduated with a master’s in regional planning from UMass Amherst after living and working in the Greater Hartford region as a communications professional. Dan resides in Washington D.C., where he enjoys trying new restaurants, recreational photography, and staying involved in the local music scene as both a musician and supporter.
Olivia holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her master’s in public administration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
 
Prior to beginning her graduate studies, Olivia worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office for Administration and Finance. She first joined the office as a member of the state’s budget team, where she worked on housing, economic development, and education finance, and later served as the agency’s Chief Financial Officer. She relocated to Boston from Washington D.C., where she had worked on legal and regulatory research as an analyst for Mintz Levin and its consulting affiliate M.L. Strategies.
 
Olivia has lived in each of the cities featured in the National Treasure movie and is currently located in New York City, where she spends her time running in Central Park and cleaning up things her cat Franklin knocks over.

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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.

Outside of work, Jamie volunteers with the VOLO Kids Foundation and fundraises for YMCA youth programs. She’s also known as NADO’s resident baker—keeping the D.C. office well-supplied with homemade treats—and enjoys traveling, rock climbing, hiking in the Northeast, and walking her dog, Mookie, around the city. Jamie holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Relations from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a master’s in International Development Studies from The George Washington University.

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.

Krystal De Leon is the Director of Operations at the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), where she has grown over the past five years through a variety of roles in operations and management. With twenty years of professional experience, Krystal brings a strong foundation in business administration, customer service, and project coordination.
 
In her current role, Krystal leads cross-functional operations and is responsible for managing vendor relationships, administering databases, coordinating grants invoicing, supporting conference logistics, and handling HR functions. She is known for her ability to juggle multiple projects while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. She values collaboration, consistency, and thoughtful problem-solving, and is committed to building streamlined systems and supporting initiatives that contribute to NADO’s overall effectiveness.
Krystal is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Liberty University.
 
Outside of work, Krystal treasures time with her husband, son, and daughter. Whether exploring local trails or enjoying quiet family moments, she finds joy in the everyday adventures of parenthood.

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.

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2023 Impact Awards

The primary applicant must be a NADO member. Project partners, both NADO and non-members, can be recognized under "Project Partners" below.

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Please craft clear, thoughtful, and engaging responses to the following questions. Use the following sections to tell us how your project has made an impact, such as its use of creative funding mechanisms, efforts to create efficiencies or reduce costs, unique partnership models, and emphasis on building resilience and/or enhancing your region's quality of life.

For award-winning projects, the information provided below may be used verbatim to inform project descriptions that will be published in the 2023 NADO Impact Awards materials and included on the NADO website.

Please submit at least one photo showing your project in action. Please keep file size to a minimum (<2Mb) and use JPEG format. If uploading multiple files, ZIP files prior to submitting. If you have trouble uploading images they can be directly emailed to Brett Schwartz at [email protected]. Include the project title they correspond to in the subject line of your email.

Note: Submitted photos may be used in NADO Impact Awards materials and in other NADO published materials with credit to your organization. Please also consider submitting photos for NADO's 2023 Photo Contest, which will be held this summer.

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Your application is not submitted until you are directed to a confirmation page. If you have any questions or are unsure if your application has been submitted, please contact Brett Schwartz at [email protected]

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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 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.

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