LVGEA COO Jared Smith Top 50 Economic Developers of 2022

LAS VEGAS — Consultant Connect recently named Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Chief Operating Officer Jared Smith to its 2022 North America’s Top-50 Economic Developers list. Smith, who has spent 12 years working in economic development, has been with LVGEA since 2016.

“To be nominated by and recognized among thousands of my peer economic developers and consultants is the highest of honors,” said Smith. “It’s especially an honor because this recognition is based on the mutual respect of peers for hard work and outcomes.”

Smith leads LVGEA’s operations team, including managing the organization’s budget and overseeing the business development team. He is responsible for leading business development strategy and execution, international business development, and conducting research to guide those strategies. He also heads up the Economic Development Advisory Group and the organization’s partnership with the Vegas Chamber for the annual DC Fly-In event.

“We are fortunate to have Jared, a national leader of economic development, helping to lead efforts in Southern Nevada,” said Lauri Perdue, Campus Director at University of Phoenix and a LVGEA50 Board member. “He is a collaborative leader who takes the time to listen to and engage stakeholders. His expertise is visible through the growth of new industries in our community.”

During Smith’s tenure at LVGEA, the organization has broken its annual job creation record twice and pivoted to respond to the community’s needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith also led the release of two Workforce Blueprint research publications.

Smith has an MBA from Southeastern Louisiana University and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). He previously served as Director of Business Development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

Consultant Connect is a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants. Each year, the agency asks the site selector community and economic development partners to nominate individuals they feel are top-notch and worthy of the ‘Top 50’ title.