Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Jon Stark is the Chief Executive Officer of EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon), a leading organization focused on advancing economic growth and prosperity in the Central Oregon region. With over two decades of experience in economic development and business strategy, Stark is a seasoned leader known for his strategic vision, collaborative approach, and track record of driving impactful initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CEO of EDCO, Stark is responsible for overseeing the organization's comprehensive economic development strategy, including business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts. He is also tasked with fostering strong partnerships with local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders to identify and capitalize on opportunities for regional development. Under Stark's leadership, EDCO has played a pivotal role in attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and enhancing the economic competitiveness of Central Oregon.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Stark served as the Interim CEO of EDCO, where he provided strategic guidance and oversight during a critical transition period. He also held the position of Senior Director at Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), a local office of EDCO, where he led numerous initiatives to support the growth and diversification of the regional economy. Additionally, Stark served as the President of the Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) in 2017, demonstrating his commitment to industry leadership and advocacy.
Earlier in his career, Stark held various roles at EDCO, including Senior Manager, where he spearheaded key projects and initiatives to advance the organization's mission. He also gained valuable experience in the private sector as the Vice President of Business Development at Express Employment Professionals, where he honed his skills in strategic planning, client relations, and business development.
Academic Background
Stark holds a bachelor's degree from a respected university, where he specialized in Business Administration with a focus on Economic Development. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in the principles of economic growth, community development, and strategic planning.
Areas of Expertise
Stark's expertise spans a wide range of areas, including:
- Economic development strategy and implementation
- Business attraction, retention, and expansion
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
- Project management and execution
- Strategic planning and decision-making
- Nonprofit leadership and organizational development
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Stark has demonstrated a keen ability to drive impactful initiatives that have directly contributed to the economic prosperity of the Central Oregon region. Under his leadership, EDCO has successfully attracted numerous high-profile businesses to the area, resulting in the creation of hundreds of new jobs and significant capital investment. Additionally, Stark has been instrumental in fostering collaborative partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations to foster a thriving business ecosystem.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and collaborative approach, Jon Stark is poised to continue making significant contributions to the economic development and growth of Central Oregon. As the CEO of EDCO, he is committed to leveraging his expertise to create new opportunities, support local businesses, and enhance the overall competitiveness and prosperity of the region.
