Tag: Meet our board

Meet our Board: Toni Atkins

By Taylor Dunne,

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of blogs about the women behind EDC—our fearless leaders, our board members, our executive committee, our guiding lights. Today, we have The Honorable Toni Atkins, CA Senate President Pro Tempore representing the 39th district, San Diego!

Tell us who you are. Why did you choose your career?

At my heart, I would say I am a public servant. And I didn’t choose my career—it chose me!

I grew up in Virginia, the daughter of a seamstress and a coal miner. We were working poor. At the time, I didn’t think that government nor mainstream society saw me or understood me – not until I began studying political science at Emory and Henry College. There, I found my voice, came out as a lesbian, and began to support social justice causes, feminist rights, and the rights of my LGBTQ community.

I arrived in San Diego in 1985 and first worked as Director of Services at Womancare Health Center before my mentor, former Senator and then Councilwoman Christine Kehoe, hired me on her staff. That’s when my love of public service began. I’m so grateful to Chris for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.

I was elected to succeed her seat on the City Council in 2000. From there, I have had the privilege of serving as Acting Mayor, State Assemblymember, Assembly Speaker, acting Governor twice—the first gay Governor of California, in fact—and now Senate President pro Tempore. I am the first woman, the first member of the LGBTQ community, and the first person in almost 150 years to lead both the Assembly and the Senate. I wish my mother was here to see it all.

What does your involvement in EDC mean to you?

I am honored to serve on EDC’s board of directors. EDC is such a dynamic agency that tells San Diego’s story in so many ways. Sharing San Diego’s tech, biotech, tourism, business, and military related Good News helps raise awareness at the state, national and international level about what our region is doing.

For much of the year, my time is spent between Sacramento and San Diego, but my Special Assistant/District Policy Director Deanna Spehn ensures we stay up to date. I enjoy my annual visit with the board to recap the legislative year and look forward to the next.

This board’s leadership has always been top notch. Mark Cafferty has put together an outstanding staff that produces impactful reports and analyses on what is happening within San Diego’s economy, what it takes to do business in our region, and what the new options are for current and future companies.

EDC always inspires me to think of the possibilities ahead, not only for our region— including Baja, California—but also for our state in terms of how we can continue to grow our economy, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m so proud to represent the 39th State Senate District, and EDC is a strong partner in amplifying the role San Diego plays.

What role do you see women playing across the San Diego region in the next five years?

There is no lack of talented women in San Diego. Women in leadership is not a new phenomenon. We are mothers, daughters, State Senate leaders, Secretaries of State, Mayors, Council Presidents, non-profit, healthcare and education executives. And our neighboring city of Tijuana, Mexico has its first woman Mayor, The Honorable Karla Ruiz MacFarland.

Together, we are working to bring out the best of our region. In five years, I expect our influence to spread across the State and our nation.

It is through our collaboration with organizations like EDC, who are committed to inclusivity and recognizing of the importance of female leaders, that will allow us to address barriers like underrepresentation in top business roles and pay inequity, that too many women in America face every day.

Share with us your favorite quote.

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

What advice do you have for women in business?

I would encourage women to continue to find ways to lead and build each other up. I am here because my mentor gave me a chance.

I want to see more women – of all communities, ages and backgrounds – included on boards, planning groups, and leading nonprofits and corporations, which is why in 2018, I served as joint author of SB 826, a bill that promoted equitable and diverse gender representation on corporate boards by requiring every publicly-held corporation in California to add women to their board of directors. Legislation is a critical component to addressing inequity in the business world, but we also need the private sector to actively recruit women and support future generations of women. I hope to do the same in encouraging more women to run for public office.

When women succeed, society succeeds – we all succeed.

Follow along with Senator Atkins on Twitter: @SenToniAtkins

Meet our Board: Laura Garrett

By Taylor Dunne,

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of blogs about the women behind EDC—our fearless leaders, our board members, our executive committee, our guiding lights. Today, we introduce Senior Vice President (SVP) of Human Resources at TaylorMade Golf, Laura Garrett—a Midwesterner turned San Diegan who reminds us to never stop dreaming of what we might be when we grow up.

Tell us who you are and what you do. Why did you choose your career?

I grew up in Ohio and still consider myself a Midwesterner at heart. Having said that, I’ve grown so attached to San Diego—its an awfully special place for far more reasons than the weather. The only thing I still can’t wrap my head around is that my kids won’t ever experience the joy of a snow day.

I currently head up the People and Culture function as SVP of Human Resources at TaylorMade Golf, which has its global headquarters in Carlsbad. As a market leader in the golf equipment and golf ball industry, we have roughly 1,300 employees worldwide.

I can’t really say that I chose my career, but rather that I chose to follow new opportunities as they came along. Despite having been on the planet for more than a half century, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Every now and then, I have a moment where I wonder things like, “Is it too late to go to veterinary school?” or “How can I keep my current job but be an urban planner at the same time?”

It used to bother me that my career path wasn’t linear, but now I’ve come to accept and even embrace it. I’ve been lucky to get to work in so many different capacities, particularly at TaylorMade where I’ve led supply chain, sales and service, manufacturing, and obviously now HR. Through that, I’ve come to the realization that I care more about who I get to work with than what I’m actually doing. Fortunately, I’m crazy about my TaylorMade team and have opportunities to laugh with them often, while also doing really meaningful work together. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now—I just need a parallel life so I can find time to be a vet too. (I’ve been making a case that we need to have a petting zoo in some excess space we have in our TaylorMade warehouse, but sadly my proposal isn’t gaining traction.)

What does your involvement in EDC mean to you?

I’m happiest when I have ways to integrate community involvement into my life—it creates such needed perspective. Being involved in EDC, especially in the inclusive growth work, ensures that I don’t lose sight of the world outside my bubble. And back to my comment about the ‘who’ being as rewarding as the ‘what’? While the work that’s being done at the EDC is certainly consequential to our region, I have to say that the caliber of the team is just first-rate; such high-quality, wonderful humans that I’m lucky to know.

What role do you see women playing across the San Diego region in the next five years?

Anything. Everything. What I can say with confidence is that we’re all better off if women are meaningfully represented in all aspects of our community. 

Share with us your favorite quote.

I realize this is where I should drop some serious wisdom, but I’m not great at serious things. Instead, I’ll lean on a quote I used in my yearbook eons ago since its one that speaks to my career evolution (not to mention my age—apologies in advance to the Gen Y and Z’ers).

“When it’s time to change, you’ve got to rearrange who you are into what you’re gonna be. Sha na na na na na na na na. Sha na na na na.”  —The Brady Six

Follow along with TaylorMade on Twitter: @TaylorMadeGolf

Meet our Board: Sunny Cooke, Ph.D.

By Taylor Dunne,

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of blogs about the women behind EDC—our fearless leaders, our board members, our executive committee, our guiding lights. Up next, an inspiration for women and immigrants in STEM, President/Superintendent of Mira Costa College, Dr. Sunny Cooke.

 

Tell us who you are and what you do. Why did you choose your career?

As President/Superintendent of MiraCosta College, located in North County San Diego, I’m proud to serve 30,000 diverse students with degree/certificate programs designed to prepare them for careers and university transfer.

Defined by uncommon experiences and identities, my purpose is shaped by simultaneously being part of various “minority groups.” For example, I was raised as a Christian in India—a belief only practiced by two percent of the nation’s population.

Arriving in the U.S. during the civil rights movement with only $40 to my family’s name (Indian law permitted $8 per person), we, like many immigrant families, rebuilt our lives. I spent grades 7-12 in a very rural part of the county where my family made up the only people of color… for counties. Being forged in the crucible of life has driven me.

For my family, education is a means of empowerment in service to others. Majoring in biology, I received a teaching credential, and a doctorate in biochemistry and microbiology from Georgetown University. My post-doctoral research brought me to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Shortly after, I was hired by a community college to teach biology/biotechnology as the first faculty of color and the only woman in the sciences. Community colleges open doors for people who have not been included, and my life experiences make me steadfast in my commitment to create truly inclusive environments.

Married to a supportive and patient man for 35 years, as my greatest supporter and life partner, we are proud of the remarkable son we raised.

What does your involvement in EDC mean to you?

Workforce and economic development are central to my career in higher education over the past 25 years. Collaboration in San Diego is most evident in groups like EDC where business, education, and community-based organizations gather to build, grow, support, and sustain our community. Our recent emphasis on inclusive economic development has been critical to ensure historically marginalized communities thrive and are meaningfully connected with opportunities not yet equitably afforded to them.

Community colleges are crucial to inclusive workforce development because they serve as the gateway to educational opportunity helping individuals achieve family sustaining jobs important to our regional economy.

What role do you see women playing across the San Diego region in the next five years?

Because so many of us have been pioneers or trailblazers in areas where women were not traditionally seen, we are keenly aware of what it is like to get there. We most likely can identify with those that struggle to be seen, heard, and included, and most of us can pinpoint individuals who believed in and supported us to become leaders in our respective fields. Our mentors are individuals who have shifted the trajectory of our careers and lives. We have a duty to lift up those that come after us.

Women have had to be strong and resilient. We have learned to partner with ease and shift between leadership and followership. Oftentimes, our compassion, empathy, and desire for connectedness have been interpreted as weakness. Yet, my experience is that when we lead authentically and caringly, we set a stage for inclusive excellence. My hope is that our region empowers and collaboratively works towards the betterment of all San Diegans. Those of us who have benefitted from the encouragement, inclusion, and support of others, must bravely advocate for others who still do not have the opportunity and hope that they deserve.

I look behind me and see future leaders and community builders that I support and from whom I strive to learn each day. As a result of COVID-19, rebuilding our lives, communities, and organizations will require new leadership skills and collaborations.

Share with us your favorite quote.

Two favorites from Mahatma Gandhi:

  • “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
  • “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

What advice do you have for women in business?

You do you! Although it may be difficult in some workspaces and situations, find ways to connect to your authentic self as you lead. Do the interpersonal and intrapersonal reflection required to truly lead in an inclusive way as you address systems and structures that were not designed for the people we currently serve. Seek out allies—progressive leaders (men and women) who share your values, beliefs, passion, and positivity. For me, it’s about creating a just, equitable, and sustainable future.

Follow along with Dr. Cooke on Twitter: @MiraCostaPrez

Meet our Board: Jennie Brooks

By Taylor Dunne,

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of blogs about the women behind EDC—our fearless leaders, our board members, our executive committee, our guiding lights. Up next, a trailblazer in the defense and artificial intelligence spheres: Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, Ms. Jennie Brooks.

Tell us who you are and what you do. Why did you choose your career?

Born in the Bay Area and raised in San Diego, I’m a Californian at heart. After growing up in Point Loma, I didn’t stray far from home when attending UC San Diego, and later, SDSU. Throughout my life I’ve had the opportunity to travel, but there’s no greater sight than the Coronado Bridge and bay front when landing at the San Diego International Airport. I’m grateful to raise my son in this amazing community and proud to serve alongside leaders who work to uphold San Diego as America’s Finest City.

I serve as Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, leading our San Diego office of 1,300 employees. Booz Allen is a global technology and management consulting firm, with work in data science and analytics, digital solutions, engineering and cybersecurity, spanning a range of industries including defense, civil, health, and commercial.

Booz Allen has been a great place to build my career because the values of the firm align with my own. I’m passionate about our work, helping to solve our clients’ toughest challenges, and empowering people to change the world. Dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, I serve on Booz Allen’s Women’s Business Resource Group, working to attract, retain, and develop female employees across the firm. In 2021, I’m focused on reimagining the future ways we will work and live post-pandemic, and on working with colleagues and community leaders to create a more equitable world.

What does your involvement in EDC mean to you?

At Booz Allen, we’re passionate about strengthening the communities where we live and work. Through pro-bono work, mentorships, and partnerships with impactful organizations such as the USS MIDWAY, Rady Children’s Hospital, Feeding San Diego, and Girl Scouts, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back. My involvement in EDC provides a meaningful opportunity to help drive economic inclusion across San Diego. Our work on EDC’s Defense Innovation Voucher Program helped to strengthen small and mid-size businesses bringing innovative solutions to the military. Further, our work on EDC’s series, Measuring the Future: Artificial Intelligence and San Diego’s Economy, will quantify the impacts of AI technologies on our economy. Our partnership with the organization also provides the opportunity to work together on building the STEM talent pipeline needed for our future.

What role do you see women playing across the San Diego region in the next five years?

Women’s History Month is a great time to honor the brave women who pushed boundaries and paved the way for us to have the opportunities we enjoy today. We stand on the shoulders of giants—women who established their seat in the Board room, in the cockpit, in the laboratory, and in the halls of Congress.

While we look back at the challenges and achievements of women from past generations, we recognize we’re living through historic times and there is still a great deal of work to be done. Unfortunately, we’ve seen significant setbacks to gender equity in the workforce due to the unprecedented challenges of this past year. Families have juggled work, distance learning, and home responsibilities, while segments of industries have eroded, resulting in women leaving the workforce in record numbers since the start of the pandemic. Recognizing the invaluable contributions women make to our economy and society, as San Diego emerges post-pandemic, women will play vital roles in redesigning the workforce and creating solutions and flexible work benefits which enable women to regain and retain meaningful employment. Forums such as the ASCEND Executive Women’s Forum (produced by UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management) will continue to be key in bringing together women serving in executive leadership positions across San Diego to go beyond merely discussing the challenges they face, and continue working together to solve these issues.

Share with us your favorite quote.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

What advice do you have for women in business?

  • Never stop learning. Keep a growth mindset and willingness to take on new roles. These will bring diverse experiences and lessons learned.
  • Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. Women are not just participating in STEM fields but also leading, innovating, and driving the development of new technologies and solutions.
  • Use your voice. Bring your unique perspectives, experiences and insights to the business.
  • Trust your instinct.
  • Give back by mentoring. It will be valuable to those receiving your guidance and undoubtedly very rewarding to you as well.

https://twitter.com/JennieBrooksSD/status/1359925336301993986?s=20

Follow along with Jennie on Twitter: @JennieBrooksSD

A note from Mark…

By Mark Cafferty,

One year ago, almost to the day, we decided to move our EDC board meeting online and announced to our team members that we would be closing the office for a few weeks. We decided to cancel all in-person meetings and events as well. Little did any of us know then how the next 12 months would unfold.

REFLECTING BACK
The past year has been difficult on everyone in immeasurable ways. To try to recap any of it would almost cheapen the challenges, loss, successes, struggles, triumphs, and trials that so many have gone through.

Yet through it all, we continue to draw inspiration from those who have been on the frontlines, supply lines, and everywhere else where citizens and workers have stepped in to do their jobs to ensure the safety and stability of those around them. We feel great pride in our healthcare systems and our scientific and technology-based companies for the roles they have played in advancing care, testing, treatment, vaccinations, and more. The “life-changing” mantra that has been such a central part of our work and messaging over the last five or six years has never seemed more fitting than now.

FINDING A PATH FORWARD
This economic recovery we find ourselves in will be long, challenging, and at times, heartbreaking. But it will also make us stronger, more resilient, and more mindful of our connectedness to each other. Our work may look different, and our priorities and goals will need to be constantly re-evaluated, but EDC’s mission, vision, and values remain concrete. Everything we do as a team and as an organization we do with and through all of you. We cannot thank you enough for your leadership, support, collaboration, and guidance throughout the past year.

THE WOMEN WHO LEAD US
On a different note, I want to take a moment to recognize the work our communications team has been doing this month to recognize March as “Women’s History Month.” If you have not seen the profiles they have posted, please check them out here.

As I look around at our hospitals, businesses, colleges/universities, cities, and anchor institutions, I see no shortage of amazing women who are leading and bringing about real change within our region. EDC is no exception. Our World Trade Center and economic development programs were recreated under the leadership of Nikia Clarke. Our marketing and communications work is led by Bree Burris. Our day-to-day economic development work with the business community is overseen by Ashley Swartout. Our EDC Foundation is run by Jen Storm. Our organizational culture has been built in no small part by Catherine DeYoung. The list goes on and on.

But there are four women who I feel should long be remembered for building and changing the organization that I have the privilege to run every day:

  • Julie Meier-Wright, who established the foundation that so many of us stand and build upon;
  • Debbie Reed, who set EDC on a new and focused course;
  • Janice Brown, who got us all to think differently about what economic development really means;
  • And Lauree Sahba, who has been the thread running through all of them and connecting them with each other, with me, and with so many of you.

Every one of them, amazing. Each playing their own role in helping to shape our organization and our work. All of them inspiring the leader and person I will forever strive to be.

Sending all of you my very best wishes for the rest of the month and truly hoping to see more and more of you in the weeks and months ahead.

With appreciation and respect,
Mark

Meet our Board: Janice Brown

By Taylor Dunne,


In recognition of Women’s History Month, EDC is publishing a series of blogs about the women behind EDC. Our fearless leaders, our board members, our executive committee, our guiding lights. To kick it off, a piece by an entrepreneur, a visionary, and only the second woman to lead EDC’s board, our former chair: Ms. Janice Brown.

Tell us who you are and what you do. Why did you choose your career?

Some time ago, I was called a “Chief Executive Optimist.” I don’t think that’s a bad description of who I am, but I was not born sunny. My optimism is earned. Now, people see me as a lawyer and an entrepreneur. I had my own firm and am now part-owner in my fabulous new gig, Meyers/Nave. I also have a side hustle called Beyond Law, wherein I teach lawyers and law students how to be successful from the inside out. I call it building “soul muscles.”

My journey started with my father who joined the Air Force when he was 17 and my mother who married my father, when she was 17. They have been married for over 64 years. My father tells me that I am legit. Over five years ago, I lost my only brother to a heart attack. He was my little brother, but he was about 6’ 4” tall. I remember the day that my father called me to tell me that he had died. I was in New York City about to give a speech and I fell to the floor, ice cold. Of course, I recovered and gave the speech, through tears, which I dedicated to him. I typically don’t share my sad stories, but those stories are what caused me to purposefully look for the good in my life and in the eyes of others. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I don’t see that light, but I still always look for it. I learned that we are most often able to see it if we look for it.

My first “lucky break” was getting a scholarship to Gonzaga Law School. I had been accepted by other schools, but Gonzaga’s scholarship allowed me to finish law school early without much debt, as I had a full ride. After five years of undergrad (I spent about five months as a USO singer traveling throughout Korea, Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines – that was the “lost” year), and two years of law school, I was accepted into the Department of Justice in the Tax Division as a Trial lawyer. That was another life-changer, as San Diego was my docket, which is how I ended up in this loveliest of regions.

I have been married before. I am happily single now, with a full life that includes my parents (who I plan to help move here, as soon as COVID gets a bit more manageable), my friends, my love of books, music, movies, wine, good humor, and good hearts. I remain active in San Diego and have been a part of the fabric of this city and region for my entire time here. I truly love it.

What does your involvement in EDC mean to you?

Lauree Sahba recruited me to EDC, which perplexed me because I didn’t see any true connection between the organization and myself. But I quickly learned that my perception was in error. EDC is a community of like-minded and like-hearted people who believe that economic inclusion is the path forward for our region. The ‘what’s-in-it-for-me’ approach that we see too often on the news isn’t the prominent feeling at EDC. It’s community; it’s family; it’s given me oh so much more than I have given it. I recognize that being the EDC Chair enhanced my profile in this region, but more than anything, it taught me to be myself and to connect authentically. EDC staff, respectfully, is the best in town.

What role do you see women playing across the San Diego region in the next five years?

First, women are going to need to recover. COVID hit women a lot harder than men, primarily because women still bear the majority of benefits and burdens that come with family. We also hold the heart space in many of our organizations, and if we are too tired or too stressed or too bored, that heart space is weakened. So first, we’ve got to recover. Next, I think we need to self-define. So often, we look to others and seek a sense of our value from what is reflected back to us. We need to change that. We are overdue for that change. We need to lead from that heart space. I had the chance to do that at EDC and it’s a beautiful thing. EDC has been the home for many female employees who are contributing to our region in amazing ways. And our board is rich with talented women who can frankly do anything they please.  We just need to decide and then—watch out!

Share with us your favorite quote.

“Your biggest fear is that you are powerful beyond measure”  from a poem by Marianne Williamson.

What advice do you have for women in business?

Be You.  Fully.  Richly.  Just You.

Follow along with Janice on Twitter: @JPatrice4080.

 

A note from Mark…

By Mark Cafferty,

Over the last few years, our work at EDC has shifted to focus on our full economic footprint across the county. In everything we do, we strive to implement programs, strategies, and services that will help us double our supply of skilled workers, enable our small businesses to create more competitive jobs, and increase the number of thriving households throughout the region. Now more than ever, we know that our work needs to be both meaningful and measurable to meet these goals. And we have little time to waste.

SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT

During our exploration of inclusive and effective economic development strategies, many roads led us to supporting the growth and sustainability of local, small businesses through purposeful partnerships with large businesses and institutions. Anchor institution strategies—defined procurement programs and partnerships that link local, small businesses with the region’s largest employers including hospitals and universities—have long been successful in fostering small business growth and supplier diversity. These strategies do not look to the large institutions to spend any more than they have already budgeted; they simply strive to increase the percentage of contracts and purchasing within the local economy. Small businesses, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, businesses located within specific neighborhoods or geographic regions—redirecting spend to any of these leads to more money flowing into the San Diego economy.

This month, San Diego Regional EDC released a study and a set of recommendations aimed at increasing economic opportunity and job creation through purchasing and procurement. What the report clearly outlines is how small shifts in procurement spending can have huge economic impacts in our region.

CONSIDER THESE FACTS

  1. Fourteen local anchor institutions surveyed spend upwards of $9.9 billion each year on a broad range of goods and services. Yet, only $247 million of the reported spending can be traced back to San Diego businesses.

  1. Only 14 percent of the overall spend is reaching small businesses and only 11 percent can be traced back to women and minority-owned businesses.

  1. If these same 14 anchor institutions and partners shifted just one percent of their construction spending to local businesses, it would result in roughly $32 million in local construction revenue, add $466 million to the local economy, and create nearly 4.5 thousand new jobs.

  1. Furthermore, if the same institutions shifted one percent in professional services (e.g. legal, administrative, etc.) to local businesses it would have a $56 million impact on the local economy and create more than 800 jobs.

A MEASURABLE SOLUTION

As we work our way through a complicated and unprecedented economic recovery, our small businesses need more support than ever. To ensure that we reach the businesses most in need of support, preserve our commitment to inclusion and diversity, and maintain our focus on work that is both meaningful and measurable, few strategies will serve our region better than this one. The leadership and decision making is local, the impact is local, and the partnerships and practices forged will create greater, local economic resiliency for years to come.

Asking our citizens to support our local, small businesses is important and noble. But at a time when individual and family spending is strained, and small businesses continue to struggle, the leadership, engagement, and actions of our large institutions are more important than ever.

We applaud the 14 anchor institutions and partners that have stepped forward to be a part of this work with us­—including key partners SDG&E, University of San Diego School of Business, Civic San Diego, and the City of San Diego—and as always, we look forward to the full weight of our EDC investors in helping to challenge, support, and steer this work in the months and years ahead.

—Mark Cafferty, president and CEO, EDC

Mark Cafferty
Mark Cafferty

President & CEO

A note from Mark: Our commitment to values, not partisanship

By Mark Cafferty,

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
–President Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, 1865

It is clear that when President Lincoln wrote and shared these words, it was to bring together a terribly divided nation that had been through its most horrific chapter to date. And yet more than a century and a half later, it is also clear that not all of our wounds have healed.

The weeks leading up to this election have been marked with anger, frustration, fear, resentment, hatred, and a barrage of disinformation coming at all of us from all political levels. And unfortunately, the weeks that follow will likely bring more of the same. But behind it all, we are also seeing record voter registrations, a remarkable number of early votes being cast across the nation, and a new and different generation of voters seeking new and different strategies and solutions.

Regardless of election outcomes, individually and as a team at EDC, we will continue to do all we can to work with all leaders, at all levels of government. Time and again, we have seen that it is public and private-sector leadership working together that creates the best possible outcomes for our economy and our community.

As we move into the final months of 2020, our focus will remain on supporting our local businesses through economic recovery, and in creating the jobs that will lead to more thriving households in all corners of our region. We look forward to another year of working with and through all of our investors and partners to rebuild and strengthen San Diego’s economy and to ensure that our core values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion are seen and felt in all that we do.

Wishing our region and our nation a great and peaceful election today. May we all strive to finish the work we are in—with malice toward none, charity for all, and a firmness in what we know to be right.

With respect, admiration, and hope,

–Mark Cafferty

San Diego Regional EDC welcomes Julian Parra as new board chair

By Taylor Dunne,

EDC works toward the “right recovery” with new chair leading the way

As San Diego works to recover from a global pandemic and faces systemic race and equity issues that plague all metropolitan economies, EDC continues to drive an inclusive growth and recovery strategy as outgoing Board Chair Janice Brown passes the gavel to Julian Parra.

“While we are all facing many challenges right now, we also see opportunity. I look forward to working with EDC’s team to ensure that all San Diegan’s have access to opportunities so that we can position our region for the right recovery.” said Julian Parra, Region Executive, at Bank of America.

The right recovery is rooted in our inclusive growth work and focuses on ensuring we double down on the building blocks that make for a strong economy by creating skilled talent, economically-stabilizing jobs, and thriving households.

“There is nobody I trust more than Julian to continue this work in a time that San Diego needs it most,“ said outgoing Chair Janice Brown, founder of Brown Law Group, who spearheaded the inclusive growth initiative during her time as chair, “I believe in how EDC’s work has evolved, and will continue to support this organization and team.”

As chair, Parra is supported by four officers:

  • Vice Chair, Rob Douglas, President and COO, ResMed
  • Vice Chair, Jennie Brooks, Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Treasurer, Phil Blair, President and CEO at Manpower San Diego
  • Secretary, Tom Seidler, SVP Community & Military Affairs, San Diego Padres

Along with the election of a new chair, EDC’s board also elected three new board members:

  • Tonya Cross, Senior Vice President People & Corporate Operations at Lytx Inc
  • Heather Ace, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Qualcomm Inc
  • Sandra McDonough, Partner at Paul Plevin Sullivan and Connaughton LLP

EDC is a membership-based non-profit organization that mobilizes government and civic leaders around an inclusive economic development strategy in order to connect data to decision making, maximize regional prosperity, enhance global competitiveness and position San Diego effectively for investment and talent. The organization’s nearly 200 investors range from small businesses like Brown Law Group, to the region’s largest employers like Qualcomm and SDG&E, to the leading anchor institutions such as universities and hospitals.

THE RIGHT RECOVERY

Over the last two decades, San Diego’s economy has more than doubled in size. Meanwhile, the typical household has seen its income increase at roughly half that rate. The impacts of COVID-19 have likely exasperated income inequities, disproportionately affecting the parts of the community historically disconnected from opportunities.

The right recovery means putting systems into place that ensure that as we rebuild our economy, we are doing so in a thoughtful and resilient way, that ensures all San Diegans can benefit from our region’s future growth.

“I am the first one to acknowledge that EDC has not always been focused on inclusive strategies. When Janice became chair, we were just beginning to understand how San Diego – as a region – has missed out on economic opportunity by creating racial disparities. We have an opportunity to ensure that we are pivoting programming and putting systems into place so we do not widen racial and economic inequities as our region recovers.  Nobody understands these responsibilities more than Julian,” said Mark Cafferty, EDC’s president & CEO.

To address these inequities, EDC has pivoted and launched programming aligning with the three pillars: skilled talent, economically-stabilizing jobs and thriving households. With the majority of San Diegans employed by small and medium size businesses (SMBs), San Diego has set a goal to create 50K economically-stabilizing jobs by 2030. To help achieve that goal, EDC programs such as MetroConnect and Advancing San Diego will continue in a virtual capacity, providing export assistance and paid internship programs, respectively.

We hope you’ll join us as we work to create a more equitable and prosperous San Diego, for all who live here.

Meet our Board: Kathryn Lembo

By San Diego Regional EDC,

Meet our Board: Kathryn Lembo

For our next Board Member Spotlight, meet Kathryn Lembo, president & CEO at South Bay Community Services (SBCS). Read her Q&A below, get to know Kathryn and find out why EDC’s inclusive growth efforts are something she finds most interesting.

What is your “day job”?
As CEO, my days are dynamic and filled with a broad cross-section of individuals throughout the county. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with residents and youth (many with no home) who share their crucial insight on challenges impacting everyday living and hopes for the future. It’s through their eyes that navigate my day in discussions with school, nonprofit, health, and business leaders as well as policymakers as we work together to build true measurable solutions that respond to our community’s challenges. Above all, it’s an honor to take an idea to inception with my dedicated team at SBCS and our regional partners by implementing evidence-based programs that are changing the trajectory of families and communities.

Of all the boards in San Diego, why EDC?
To grow San Diego’s innovation economy: This is something that will demand a diversity of voices contributing to the conversation. The economic vitality of San Diego County is also crucial to the well-being of families we [SBCS] serve, and thus, important for us to take part in developing a strong local workforce to benefit employers, economy and our population.

Favorite quote?
“Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning, the devil says ‘oh sh*t, she’s up!'”

We know San Diego is a life-changing place, what was your life-changing moment?
A couple of summers into my undergraduate studies in biochemistry, my father insisted I needed a summer job. He proceeded to find one for me – a job as a lifeguard at a home for girls in New York. I spent the summer getting to know these young women who had lived through and experienced some truly horrible situations. They taught me about resilience. Most all, I learned the importance of community in helping to build strong families. Even though their homes were scattered with issues like violence, poverty, and drug abuse, the girl’s dreamed and hoped of returning home to their families. The following school year, I changed my major and this experience was in part the reason for my professional journey.

What part of EDC interests you most?
I’m most interested in EDC’s inclusive growth efforts.