Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces Jessica Metta as its next Executive Director. The position was most recently held by Amanda Hoey, now serving as CEO for Oregon Wheat. The MCEDD Board held an open application process and unanimously approved Jessica’s hiring at their March 12 meeting.
Jessica joined MCEDD in 2008 as a Project Manager, was promoted to Deputy Director in 2017, and has been serving as Interim Executive Director since March 1. Her most recent duties with MCEDD included serving as the Executive Director of the Gorge Technology Alliance and managing the transportation division for MCEDD. Prior to MCEDD, Jessica was a Planner with the Columbia River Gorge Commission. In addition to her work experience, Jessica brings additional credentials to the position. She received her Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University and her Bachelor’s in Geology from College of Charleston. In 2018, she was elected as a City Councilor for the City of Hood River.
“I was impressed by Jessica’s dedication to the communities throughout the region and commitment to MCEDD’s mission. The Board is pleased to promote her to the Executive Director position” stated MCEDD Board chair, Bill Schmitt. That sentiment was shared by Amanda Hoey, the immediate past Executive Director, who also reflected upon the trajectory of MCEDD during its 50 year history and future opportunities. She stated, “I am excited for the potential of MCEDD to continue to grow under Jessica’s leadership. I congratulate the MCEDD Executive Committee in conducting a thorough hiring process to ensure the organization has the best individual to work with the MCEDD team and carry forward our regional initiatives.”
MCEDD’s Executive Director acts as the chief executive officer and is responsible for the overall management of the fiscal, personnel, and policy functions of the agency. The Executive Director is responsible to the MCEDD Board of Directors. “Since starting in 2008, I have appreciated the important role that MCEDD serves in working for the economic success of the Columbia River Gorge,” adds Jessica. “I look forward to working more closely with the Board and many regional partners on our goals, as well as leading MCEDD’s wonderful staff towards more success. My first order of business will be working with partners to address our regional economic needs in relation to COVID-19.”
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was established in 1969 by Klickitat, Skamania, Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties to benefit from better access to economic development loans and grants, pooled technical assistance, marketing, and administrative resources, and a regional approach to economic development efforts. Over the years MCEDD’s membership has grown to include counties, cities, ports and chambers of commerce within the five county region. It is governed by a twenty-one member Board representing its members and the key economic interests in the region. MCEDD promotes the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry. More information may be found at: http://www.mcedd.org