Limestone County Economic Development Association president and CEO Bethany Shockney has been elected for a two-year term to represent the State of Alabama on the Southern Economic Development Council Board of Directors.
The SEDC, North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association representing 17 states and the world’s best economic developers, will welcome newly elected leaders to their Council of Board of Directors in 2025.
New state directors and alternate directors, elected and appointed by the council’s membership and leadership, include Shockney as Alabama State Director. All newly elected directors will begin their two-year terms on Jan. 1, 2025. Alternate directors only serve a one-year term.
Jana Dyke, the president and CEO at Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission in Georgia, was elected chairwoman of the SEDC Board of Directors.
“I am honored to lead SEDC during a season of growth,” Dyke stated upon her election. “As our council continues to evolve, I am eager to enhance our strategy and impact to accelerate capacities and economic development in the American South. Economic development is an incredibly special calling, and together, we at SEDC will continue to serve economy builders and champion progress and prosperity in our homes and region.”
Dyke will be joined on the SEDC Executive Committee by newly elected first vice-chair Tim Weston of Brasfield and Gorrie, second vice-chair Joe Hines of Timmons Group and secretary-treasurer Chris Masingill of St. Tammany Corporation in Louisiana.
Upon completion of a historic term, Brian Gwin — the former chairman of SEDC Board of Directors — of Norfolk Southern will assume the immediate past-chair position.
Also, Josh Fenn of Henry County Development Authority in Georgia, Lindsay Theobald of Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation in Tennessee and Adam Gawarecki of San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation in Texas were elected to the executive committee to serve as regional directors — representing the council’s three geographic sectors. Executive officers will also assume their respective roles on Jan. 1, 2025.
“SEDC members set the global economic development standard as they nurture iconic brands, support emerging technologies that are redefining markets and develop world-class business environments and opportunities in our communities,” Council President Matt Tackett said. “Our board reflects the sophisticated council network that has built the world’s third largest and best-positioned economy. We congratulate incoming Chairwoman Dyke and directors, and we thank our leadership for tireless commitment to people, commerce, and continued American South progress.”