WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 18, 2026) — The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has recognized 14 distinguished professionals for their leadership, innovation and long-standing contributions to advancing economic development initiatives that strengthen communities and drive investment across the United States.
The annual Industry Leaders Awards program highlights individuals whose work has significantly influenced workforce growth, site readiness, business attraction and retention, and long-term regional competitiveness in an increasingly complex global economy.
“Economic development success is rooted in visionary leadership and collaborative execution,” IEDC officials noted in announcing the honorees. “This year’s award recipients exemplify the strategic thinking and commitment required to create sustainable growth and opportunity.”
🏆 IEDC INDUSTRY LEADERS AWARDS
2026 Honorees
⭐ Lifetime Achievement
🌟 Chairwoman’s Award
🏅 Economic Developer of the Year
🏛 Public Sector Champion
🤝 Community Partner
🚀 Future Leaders
Amy Rencher, MBA
🏛 Federal Leadership
🎖 Honorary Life Member
Lifetime Achievement Honors Recognize Transformational Impact
Two of the profession’s most influential leaders were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of service and measurable impact on the economic development field:
- Jay Garner, CEcD, FM, HLM
- Tracye McDaniel, HLM
Both honorees have played pivotal roles in shaping national and regional strategies that enhance competitiveness and investment readiness.
Leadership Excellence Across the Profession
The Chairwoman’s Award was presented to Barry Broome, recognizing exceptional leadership and advocacy for economic development best practices.
Named Economic Developer of the Year, Jennifer Storm was honored for her strategic contributions to advancing economic opportunity and strengthening regional economic ecosystems.
The Public Sector Champion Award was awarded to Sean Scully, MPA, acknowledging his leadership in advancing public-sector initiatives that support community growth and investment attraction.
Christine Bryant, CEcD, received the Community Partner Award, recognizing her work in fostering collaboration between public, private and nonprofit stakeholders to drive sustainable economic outcomes.
Emerging Leaders Driving the Future of Economic Development
IEDC also recognized rising professionals who are shaping the next generation of economic development leadership through innovation and forward-looking strategies:
- Kreg Haney, MBA, CEcD, EDFP
- Justin Heather, CEcD, FDIP
- Amy Rencher, MBA
Each received the Future Leader Award, underscoring their growing influence in advancing regional competitiveness and workforce-aligned investment initiatives.
Federal and Congressional Leadership Recognized
IEDC honored several federal policymakers whose leadership has supported economic growth and business development initiatives nationwide:
Congressional Leadership Awards:
- Senator Kevin Cramer
- Senator Mark Kelly
- Representative Haley Stevens
The Federal Leadership Award was presented to Brittany Sickler in recognition of her contributions to policy and program initiatives that strengthen economic development outcomes at the national level.
Honorary Recognition for Lasting Service
IEDC also conferred Honorary Life Member status upon David Leezer, CEcD, FM, recognizing his enduring commitment to advancing professional excellence within the economic development community.
Elevating the Profession Through Leadership
IEDC emphasized that the Industry Leaders Awards reflect the critical role of strategic leadership in navigating economic transformation driven by technological innovation, shifting supply chains and evolving workforce dynamics.
By honoring individuals across sectors and career stages, the organization reinforces the importance of collaboration, innovation and long-term vision in shaping resilient regional economies.
As communities compete globally for investment and talent, the contributions of this year’s honorees highlight how effective leadership and coordinated strategies continue to define successful economic development outcomes.
