Five leadership moves, a new IEDC board slate and two economic development director openings, one paying up to $215,000, lead this week's roundup.
Movers & Shakers
WeatherTech's David MacNeil gets a manufacturing assignment in Washington
President Donald Trump has named David MacNeil, founder and CEO of Illinois-based WeatherTech, special envoy for manufacturing.
The November 9 announcement follows the withdrawal of MacNeil's nomination to the Federal Trade Commission. The envoy role focuses on strengthening domestic production and bringing manufacturing jobs back to American factories.
WeatherTech makes its automotive accessories in the United States and has built much of its identity around domestic manufacturing.
Michael Cabonargi takes the wheel at Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center
Michael M. Cabonargi became president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) on October 12, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience to the organization.
IMEC is Illinois' official Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, helping manufacturers improve productivity, adopt technology and strengthen operations.
The organization reported working with 3,742 Illinois manufacturers in fiscal 2025 and generating $905 million in aggregate economic impact.
Bloomington turns to Susan Borries Reed
Susan Borries Reed took over as president and CEO of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation in Indiana on October 19.
Reed was selected after an eight-month national search. She brings more than 20 years of experience spanning economic development, public finance, municipal advisory services and community investment.
Prologis expands its development leadership
Industrial real estate giant Prologis has elevated two executives into larger development roles.
Travis Harvey is now global head of development after previously leading development management for the company's U.S. East region.
Sheila Sutton has become senior vice president and head of development management for the U.S. East region. Sutton previously worked on industrial construction and development in the New York and New Jersey markets.
Westcore adds Benton Swift to its East Coast industrial team
Benton Swift has joined industrial real estate investor Westcore as vice president of acquisitions for its East Coast business.
Swift comes from Lovett Industrial, where he was director and East Region market lead. During his tenure, Lovett's East Region portfolio expanded to include developments and acquisitions totaling 5.2 million square feet and more than $700 million in value.
On the Board
Clyde Higgs takes the chair at IEDC
The International Economic Development Council has approved its leadership slate for 2027, with Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline Inc., set to become board chair on January 1.
Higgs succeeds Danielle Casey, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Regional Economic Partnership, who moves into the immediate past chair role.
SeonAh Kendall, economic health director for the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, will serve as vice chair. Chris Masingill, CEO of Louisiana Central, becomes secretary/treasurer.
Seven new board members will also begin two-year terms:
Jason Giulietti, president and CEO, Central South Carolina Alliance
Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO, REDI Cincinnati
Jim Eldridge, economic development manager, Oklahoma Gas and Electric
Justin McLaughlin, executive vice president and COO, Tulsa Regional Chamber
Kim Denton, economic development director, University of Tennessee IPS/CIS
Kristina Cannon, president and CEO, Main Street Skowhegan
Rafael Prikladnicki, director, Invest RS, Brazil
Hot Jobs
San José, California: Economic Development Director
Salary: $170,000–$215,000
San José is recruiting an economic development director for the Mayor's Office, with responsibility for advancing the city's economic priorities in Silicon Valley.
The position is a full-time, unclassified appointment and was posted November 6. Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis.
Plainfield, New Jersey: Director of Economic Development
Application deadline: December 2, 2026
Plainfield is seeking a director of economic development to help lead a redevelopment portfolio representing more than $2 billion in investment projects.
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