Columbia River Economic Development Council
Vancouver, Washington
PRESIDENT
$150,000 - $170,000 DOQ
Plus Excellent Benefits
Apply by
November 2, 2025
(First Review, Open Until Filled)
C O L U M B I A R I V E R E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L , W A ? P R E S I D E N T
THE REGION
Located in Southwest
Washington, Clark County
is a thriving region that
combines rich history,
natural beauty, and mod-
ern amenities. Stretching
from the Columbia River
to the southern slopes of
Mount St. Helens, the
county is home to more than 527,000 residents
and has become a vital player in the greater Port-
land-Vancouver metropolitan area. Its county
seat, Vancouver, is Washingtons fourth largest
city and serves as a dynamic hub for govern-
THE ORGANIZATION
ment, commerce, dining, and culture. Just across
the Columbia River from Portland and within easy
The Columbia River Economic Development
reach of Portland International Airport, the county
Council (CREDC) is the state-recognized Associ-
enjoys strong regional and global connectivity,
ate Development Organization (ADO) for Clark
making it a prime location for both residents and
County, Washington. As a nonprofit corporation,
businesses.
CREDC unites more than 150 public- and private-
sector partners dedicated to advancing regional
Clark County offers an exceptional quality of life,
economic vitality through business growth, innova-
blending urban conveniences with abundant out-
tion, and collaboration.
door recreation. The region spans 656 square
miles of diverse landscapes, from vibrant down-
CREDC serves as the leading economic develop-
town centers to small towns, farmland, forests,
ment entity for Southwest Washington, providing
and more than 40 miles of river frontage. Resi-
free, confidential services to companies seeking to
dents enjoy affordable housing, low property tax-
launch, expand, or relocate in the region. Each
es, and high-performing schools, with higher ed-
year, the organization meets with more than 100
ucation anchored by Clark College and Washing-
traded-sector businesses, offering tailored assis-
ton State University Vancouver, the only four-
tance to help reduce costs, optimize talent, improve
year public university in Southwest Washington.
efficiency, and grow sales. By leveraging strong
partnerships across local, state, and federal agen-
Recreational and cultural opportunities are a
cies, CREDC ensures businesses have access to
hallmark of life in the region. With its mild climate
the resources and networks needed to thrive.
and easy access to the Pacific Coast, Cascade
Mountains, and Columbia River Gorge, the area
provides year-round opportunities for hiking,
boating, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activi-
ties. Local attractions include the Fort Vancouver
National Historic Site, as well as a thriving arts
scene supported by galleries, theaters, brewer-
ies, and community festivals.
Clark County continues to experience steady
growth, with a diverse and expanding economy,
strong median household income, and a popula-
tion that reflects a range of backgrounds and cul-
tures. Residents enjoy a welcoming community
atmosphere, supported by a balance of economic
vitality and a lifestyle closely tied to the regions
natural surroundings.
2 | P ag e
C O L U M B I A R I V E R E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L , W A ? P R E S I D E N T
In 2024, CREDC celebrated a landmark year of
results despite challenging business conditions.
The organization secured nine recruitment and
expansion wins, generating $338 million in capital
investment, retaining and creating 445 jobs, and
filling more than 343,000 square feet of industrial
employment space. Major achievements included
advancing Summit Truck Bodys new Ridgefield
facility and securing significant federal and state
resources to grow local employers. A highlight was
Vigor Industrials $1 billion defense contract ex-
pansion, which will create 180 jobs and inject $48
million into the regional economy. Collectively,
every $1 invested in CREDC produced $34 in new
THE POSITION
economic activity for Southwest Washington.
The President of CREDC is responsible for the
continuing development of the organizations
strategic direction. Each year, the President will
formulate a work plan consistent with the strate-
gic direction for adoption by the Board of Direc-
tors and then implement that plan. This position
reports to the Board of Directors and is super-
vised by the Chairman of the Board and Execu-
tive Committee.
The President is expected to follow general direc-
Governed by a 50-member Board of Directors,
tion from the Board of Directors and Executive
CREDC advances its mission through a strong
Committee while simultaneously exhibiting initia-
committee structure and a professional team that
tive, a collaborative work style, and high-level of
operates like a lean startup - nimble, collabora-
professional judgment. The President is given full
tive, and outcome-driven. The staff includes lead-
oversight, responsibility and accountability for
ership in business development, operations, inves-
planning and managing the administration, staff,
tor relations, and the Washington APEX Accelera-
funding, budget, programs, strategic initiatives
tor program, which supports small businesses in
and business support activities of the organiza-
securing government contracts. In 2024 alone,
tion. The President will also represent CREDCs
APEX at CREDC provided over 300 hours of ad-
interests on a number of business, community
vising, helping local companies secure more than
and civic boards, providing strategic input and
$24 million in federal, state, and local government
direction to a broad network of partners to sup-
contracts.
port a growing and competitive business envi-
ronment.
CREDCs strategic framework is built on three pil-
lars: expanding business growth across five key
For the full job description and to view all respon-
traded sectors (software, computers and electron-
sibilities, please view the attachment found here.
ics, clean technology, life sciences, and technolo-
gy-enhanced production); supporting people
through workforce development and inclusion initi-
atives; and creating place by advancing infrastruc-
ture, placemaking, and quality of life projects.
With an annual budget of approximately $1.1 mil-
lion, CREDC is well-positioned to continue serving
as Clark Countys economic development leader,
driving sustainable growth and fostering a resilient,
competitive, and inclusive regional economy.
3 | P ag e
C O L U M B I A R I V E R E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L , W A ? P R E S I D E N T
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The incoming President will help create the The ideal candidate will bring a strong passion for
next Vision for the CREDC by facilitating goal de- CREDCs mission and vision, coupled with enthu-
velopment and sharing that vision with the broad- siasm for providing economic development lead-
er community. Being the face and spokesperson ership at the local, statewide, and national levels.
for the CREDC, this person will need to be an This individual will understand that economic de-
advocate for business interest which supports the velopment is a team effort, and will be recognized
goals of the organization. for a proven track record of managing effective
and diverse teams while driving measurable busi-
Balancing the use of resources between re-
ness and community outcomes that create lasting
cruiting new businesses and retaining existing
regional impact.
ones will be a priority. This approach will help
grow the region's economy and ensure that local
The successful candidate will demonstrate famili-
businesses can thrive and succeed.
arity with startups and entrepreneurs, including
The President will collaborate with the agen- mentorship and funding, while also possessing
cy's public sector partners, such as cities and insight into the needs of established and enter-
ports, to ensure that economic development ef- prise-scale businesses operating on both national
forts are well-coordinated. By clearly defining and global levels. A deep understanding of busi-
each partner's role and readiness, CREDC can ness financing and the stages of business growth
advance the region's economy in a unified and will be essential, as will a conceptual knowledge of
efficient manner. Washington States financing and tax structures to
appreciate the challenges faced by public-sector
Reframing the region's strengths to align with
partners.
new priorities that focus less on abundant, low-
cost energy and ample land supply, and instead
Strong candidates will also bring knowledge of
emphasize the importance of prioritizing resource
land-use planning, real estate development, and
use to enhance the quality of life that the region
city and county permitting, along with the ability to
desires will be a priority. This will require CREDC
discern when to focus narrowly on CREDCs terri-
to market the specific strengths of each area in
tory and when to engage across county and state
the region, to best identify opportunities in specif-
lines to advance the regional economy. A visible
ic locations.
presence in Clark County and the Columbia River
It will be a priority for CREDC to stimulate new region will be expected, with the ability to build and
business growth internally which matches both maintain the trust of current and future stakehold-
market opportunities and on the ground assets in ers while remaining closely engaged in community
the CREDC area. affairs.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communi-
cator, with the ability to clearly and simply tell
CREDCs story, engage investors, and build pro-
ductive partnerships. Collaborative leadership,
grounded in emotional intelligence, accountability,
and respect, will be key, along with the ability to
recognize accomplishments, provide constructive
feedback, and foster a positive organizational cul-
ture that empowers both staff and partners.
A working knowledge of accounting and financial
reporting will ensure effective oversight of organi-
zational resources. Above all, CREDC is seeking a
leader who can champion collaboration, deliver
strategic results, and drive continued success and
growth for the organization, its investors, and the
community it serves.
4 | P ag e
C O L U M B I A R I V E R E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L , W A ? P R E S I D E N T
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
A bachelors degree in a related field is required, ? $150,000 - $170,000 DOQ
with a masters degree in a relevant discipline ? Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
strongly desired. A four-year degree serves as the
? Employer matched 401k plan.
minimum qualification, while advanced training or
? Paid time-off package.
graduate-level education is preferred to support
the complexity of this leadership role.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate at least ten
(10) years of progressively responsible experience
in community and business leadership. Successful
candidates will bring an energetic, creative, and
collaborative work style, combined with values and
abilities that align with the mission and goals of the
organization.
For more information on the
Columbia River Economic
Development Council, please visit:
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