Committees & Working Groups

Economic Development Committee

EDC’s core committee is comprised of investor representatives, who set annual priorities from developing the region as a hub for drone technology, to supporting startups, to building talent pipeline programs. Subcommittees are volunteer-led and significantly supported by EDC staff. The full committee meetings typically include panel discussions about sectors primed for job growth and reports from subcommittees. Meetings are held quarterly, on January 24, May 2, August 1, and November 7, 2025.

Co-Chairs: Sunny Cooke, MiraCosta College and Kevin Pegels, Illumina

EDC Contact: Liz Muthoni

Global Competitiveness Council (GCC)

A group of business, academic, government, and civic partners, who oversee World Trade Center San Diego and implementation of the region’s overarching trade and investment strategy. GCC advises on WTCSD programming, generating public support, financial resources, and coordination mechanisms for the broader strategy; as well as periodic trade issues and investment policy recommendations on behalf of the region. Meetings are held quarterly on the second Friday of each month from 2-3:30 pm.

Co-Chairs: Kim Becker, San Diego Regional Airport Authority, and Monique Rodriguez, Qualcomm

EDC Contact: Sophia Antonopoulos

HR Forum

The HR Forum is comprised primarily of human resource executives from the largest private employers in our investor base. The forum provides a peer network and the opportunity to discuss challenges and share best practices as the world of work continues to evolve. Meetings are the first month of each quarter via Zoom.

Chair: Laura Garrett, TaylorMade Golf and Karen Reinhardt, ASML

EDC Contact: Lauree Sahba

Anchor Collaborative

EDC Contact: Eduardo Velasquez

Research Advisory Committees

EDC produces a variety of research products, including industry sector economic impact reports. We engage volunteers to form advisory committees comprised of industry experts to guide each study. Advisory groups will meet as needed for the topic and building an informed analysis. We are currently assembling advisory members for the latest report in a series of studies related to artificial intelligence.

EDC Contact: Teddy Martinez

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is responsible for recommending nominees to serve on the board, monitoring governance and compliance issues, such as annual audits, and providing recommendations to the board on compliance matters. Members are appointed by Executive Committee.

Chair: Janice Brown, Meyers Nave

EDC Contact: Lauree Sahba

Advancing San Diego Steering Committee

The Advancing San Diego Steering Committee is comprised of top executives from the region’s most influential companies in defense, technology, life sciences, healthcare, and business. Alongside local workforce and economic development organizations, these leaders provide insight that guides public, private, and philanthropic resources to move the needle on key regional talent pipeline goals.

EDC Contact: Taylor Dunne

Investor Lunches

EDC hosts frequent informal lunches as a platform for investors to provide input on EDC’s programs and initiatives. Lunches are hosted by EDC’s executive team and are included as a benefit of investment in EDC.

Behind the Scenes Tours

EDC hosts periodic behind-the-scenes tours and briefings, offering investors a unique access to exclusive regional assets. Past tours and activities have included the new Comic-Con Museum, military installations, FBI briefings, NASSCO, and various other cutting-edge companies.

Lunch with an Elected Official

On a periodic basis, EDC hosts small groups of investors for informal lunch-and-learn sessions with regional elected officials who are asked to share their economic development priorities for San Diego. These are not fundraising or campaign-related events.