About the Mobile Chamber
The Mobile Chamber is a private business organization with more than 1,700 members and the economic developer for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. The Mobile Chamber’s focus is to provide members with networking, marketing and professional development opportunities, expand jobs in the area, develop the local workforce, advocate legislative priorities and offer resources to help small businesses grow. Additional information is on the Chamber’s website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
Mobile Chamber’s David Rodgers Named to 40 Under 40 in Economic Development at the International Economic Development Council 2023 Leadership Summit
MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development David Rodgers, CEcD has been named a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars in the economic development industry.
The awards program is presented by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants evaluated the nominees based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment, and innovation every day in the workplace.
“The purpose-driven work of economic development plays a vital role in communities around the world, and much of it is led by young professionals,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are contributing their creativity, dedication and leadership to make a tremendous impact in their communities and our industry as a whole, and I so look forward to what lies ahead in their careers.”
“David is an extraordinary asset to Mobile, and this recognition is particularly important as it is economic development professionals and site selection consultants recognizing the rising stars in their industry,’ said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. “I’m proud to have David at the helm of Mobile’s economic development efforts and for him to be recognized by his peers for such a prestigious award.”
Rodgers joined the Chamber’s Economic Development Department in January 2015 and was promoted to vice president in 2018. He has led his team in announcing 4,573 new direct jobs and more than $3.5 billion of new investment in the Mobile community. Rodgers serves on the boards of directors for the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, USA Center for Real Estate and Economic Development, and the South Alabama Workforce Development Council, where he currently serves as chairman. He has completed the University of Alabama Economic Honors Program and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute. In 2022, David earned the designation of CEcD, the highest certification for economic development practitioners.
“The economic development industry continues to evolve, and these rising leaders are stepping up to the challenge,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Congratulations to these 40 winners – and to the communities that are lucky to benefit from their expertise.”
Award winners were announced last night at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2023 Leadership Summit, the only conference held exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession.
For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com.