The Site Selectors Guild has selected Carrie Kelly as its new managing director effective June 19. She will replace Charlie Jewell, who left the Guild on April 26 to become the Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement at his alma mater, Radford University, after leading the Guild for two years.
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“After a rigorous selection process, we are so pleased to appoint Carrie Kelly as managing director to oversee the Guild’s vision,” said Larry Gigerich, board chair of the Site Selectors Guild and founder and executive managing director of Ginovus. “Carrie’s track record in association management, economic development leadership and stakeholder engagement is the right set of skills that will take the Guild to the next level.”
In her role as managing director of the Site Selectors Guild, Kelly will help the Guild execute policies, goals and objectives; manage and coordinate activities of third-party service providers; oversee sound financial management; and facilitate and enhance industry communications among members.
Kelly had an illustrious career in association management and economic development leadership that spans more than 20 years in various sectors, including education, government and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as the executive director of the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) where she led the organization to create its first three-year strategic plan, public policies, and strong federal and state economic development legislation advocacy that helped boost membership by 16% in her first two years.
Prior to AAED, Kelly held roles at Downtown Santa Barbara (DSB) in California and Mohave Community College Foundation. At Downtown Santa Barbara, she spearheaded several revitalization and business expansion programs resulting in increased funding for the organization’s programs and initiatives.
“Carrie has developed a terrific reputation in the economic development industry as someone who is hard-working, creative, smart and focused on quality with everything she does,” said Gigerich.
In addition to her stellar corporate career, Kelly volunteers as chair for the International Economic Development Council Public Policy Committee and is a member of the International City/County Management Association Public Policy Committee.
“I am honored and excited to serve as managing director of such an exceptional association devoted to excellence in the profession of site selection,” Kelly said. “In partnership with the Guild board, members, and partners, I look forward to building on the Guild’s already stellar reputation.”
Kelly was named a Public Policy Leader of the Year by Arizona Capitol Times, an Arizona Business Leader by AZ Big Media, Pacific Coast Business Top 40 under 40, and one of Arizona’s Most Influential Women. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University.
