LVGEA COO Jonas Peterson Joins Council Board

The Nominating Committee of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced today that it has elected Jonas R. Peterson, CEcD, Chief Operating Officer of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, to its Board of Directors for a two-year term. The election took place during IEDC’s 2014 Annual Conference, which was held October 19 – 22 in Fort Worth, TX.

“As the world’s leading membership organization for professionals in the field of economic development, IEDC’s work has become vital to reviving the current economic environment,” said Chair-elect JoAnn Crary. “I look forward to working with Mr. Peterson and our other board members as IEDC carries on with its mission of providing quality information, education, and outstanding development opportunities to our steadfast members and partners.”

During the past two years, Peterson has been a critical leader in helping the LVGEA emerge as one the most productive economic development organizations in the southwestern U.S.

“I have always admired IEDC for its efforts to advance the economic development profession and lead the discussion on key growth issues, and I’m honored to be joining their board,” said Peterson. “Nevada is becoming a recognized leader in economic development and it’s important that we have a voice in organizations like IEDC.”

Prior to joining LVGEA, Peterson was President/CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC). Peterson has conducted considerable research on comparative advantage and quantitative marketing. Recent publications include “Vegas 2.0: Rebooting Nevada’s Economic Engine” and  “Minding Our Own Businesses: a Practitioner’s Guide to Regional Business Retention and Expansion.

Peterson received a M.S. in Community and Economic Development from Pennsylvania State University and a M.B.A. from North Dakota State University. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), graduate of Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute (OUEDI), graduate of Stanford University’s Executive Program, graduate of the Executive Leadership Series at Harvard University’s Kennedy School and a Certified Business Retention and Expansion Consultant.

In 2010, Peterson was recognized as Arizona’s “Economic Developer of the Year” by the Arizona Association for Economic Development and as the “New Economic Developer of the Year” by the International Economic Development Council.