Consultant Connect

Episode 017: Heidi Smith | Tennessee Valley Authority
Episode 017: Heidi Smith | Tennessee Valley Authority 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Heidi Smith joins Carla Sones for an interview exploring Heidi’s leadership journey. Heidi shares some great advice about leading by example, especially with regards to having a “do whatever it takes to get it done” attitude. She talks about why it’s crucial to own your mistakes and why she sees continued development as a crucial part of her role.

Heidi is the General Manager of Global Business at Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). There, she is responsible for business attraction and community development. Heidi works closely with TVA’s customers and community partners to recruit businesses and projects to the area.

Episode 016: Brian Hilson | Economic Development Association of Alabama
Episode 016: Brian Hilson | Economic Development Association of Alabama 150 150 America's Jobs Team

Brian HilsonThis Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Brian Hilson, Rural Development Specialist at the Economic Development Association of Alabama and former CEO at the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), shares his insights on leadership. His passion for leading with goodwill and integrity is clear. Brian talks about the importance of being an open communicator and having a can-do, nothing-is-too-small-for-me attitude. In February 2019 Brian announced he would be stepping down as CEO of BBA.

Brian served as CEO at BBA for 8 years, and he has over 39 years of experience in economic development. Having spent his entire career in the economic development profession, Brian is a strong believer that employment opportunities are the best way to make communities better. His current role as Rural Development Strategist for the Economic Development Association of Alabama is focused on supporting rural communities around the state with their economic development needs.

Episode 013: Ann Miller | Buda EDC
Episode 013: Ann Miller | Buda EDC 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Ann Miller, Executive Director at Buda Economic Development Corporation, talks with Carla Sones about her leadership journey. She talks about why having the courage to inspire others is so pivotal to her leadership style, and she shares how her mom’s fight with cancer inspired a passion for positivity in her. Ann also talks about her passion for challenging herself and how she continuously strives to be better in all she does. She has so much great advice for leaders at any level in today’s episode.

Ann has 14 years’ experience in economic development and is the Executive Director of the Buda Economic Development Corporation in Buda, TX. She is one of the youngest people to have received the CEcD designation. In 2015, Ann was recognized as one of the Top 40 under 40 by DCI.

Episode 011: Jeff Pappas | ESRP
Episode 011: Jeff Pappas | ESRP 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Jeff Pappas, Executive Vice President of Site Selection and Brokerage at ESRP Real Estate Services, shares thoughts on generational differences and how he sees those playing out in the workplace, as wells as the 3 Hs that keep him growing and developing. Jeff talks about the importance of a mentor and what he thinks it means to be an American. 

Jeff has over 20 years of experience in the site selection business. At ESRP, Jeff represents corporate clients on a local and national basis and his skills include identifying favorable demographics and negotiating economic incentives for a wide range of clients, particularly in the teleservices, telecom and high-tech industries. He specializes in negotiating multiple leases across the country for various clients in the office, industrial, medical, and retail space. If you want to hear more from Jeff, you can follow him on Twitter @BPOJeffPappas.

Episode 010: Alex Philips | City of Burleson, TX
Episode 010: Alex Philips | City of Burleson, TX 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Alex Philips, economic development manager at City of Burleson, Texas, joins us on the podcast. Carla and Alex share a dynamic conversation that dives into how Alex’s father inspired enthusiasm for his work in him, as well as why Alex finds humility to be such an important trait. He talks about what keeps him sharp as a leader and what he is doing to help grow and retain talent in Burleson, TX.

Alex has been with the City of Burleson for 11 years and in his current role as the economic development manager for over 3 years. Alex and his team lead the recruitment and retention efforts for the industrial and commercial growth of the community.

Episode 009: Dennis Fraise | Lee County Economic Development
Episode 009: Dennis Fraise | Lee County Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Dennis Fraise (Chief Operating Officer at Lee County Economic Development) and Nick Riashi talk all things leadership. Dennis shares advice about building your own brand with integrity, how to continue challenging the status quo and why having joy in your job is so important.

Dennis is the chief operating officer and senior economic developer at Lee County Economic Development Group in Iowa. His responsibilities include the development and implementation of the organization’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy. Dennis has a background in providing mobile website solutions, creative services, and results-driven marketing. He is also the host of Develop This!, a podcast that explores economic and community development.

Episode 008: Ben Jones (City Utilities of Springfield, MO)
Episode 008: Ben Jones (City Utilities of Springfield, MO) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Nick Riashi and Ben Jones share a conversation. Ben is the Manager of Economic Development for City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri. During today’s podcast, he shares how his time in the armed forces, and particularly the impact of an amazing captain, has shaped his leadership style. Ben also talks about the challenge presented by the speed of change in today’s world, and what the three E’s of leadership—ego, empathy, and energy—mean to him.

Ben has served in his role at City Utilities for seven years, but his career in economic development spans over two decades. In addition to his time at City Utilities, Ben worked in Lebanon and Montgomery City, both in Missouri. Prior to entering economic development, he served a tour with the United States Army and the Missouri Army National Guard.

Episode 007: Misti Martin (Cherokee Office of Economic Development)
Episode 007: Misti Martin (Cherokee Office of Economic Development) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Carla Sones talks with Misti Martin, president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. Misti shares her insights on why appreciation is so important to her and how today’s pace-of-work can be a challenge. Misti shares thoughts on wisdom she gleaned from mentors over the years, why she thinks it’s beyond important to find a mentor who will challenge you, and how she knows it’s time for someone to move on from their current role.

Misti Martin is a native of Georgia and has over 25 years of experience in the economic development field. She has served as the president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development since 2004. Misti has been featured as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and as a “Notable Georgian.” Tune in now to hear more from Misti!

Episode 006 | Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership)
Episode 006 | Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Ron Kitchens interviews Beth Doughty, executive director at the Roanoke Regional Partnership, about her leadership journey and the knowledge she has gained over the years. Beth shares her insights on the importance of creativity and how her art history major has been an asset over the years. She talks about how exposure to diversity and new ideas makes her a better, more collaborative leader. Beth shares a multitude of golden wisdom nuggets on today’s episode, tune in now to hear more!

Beth has twice been executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership from 1991 to 1999 and since March 2008. She also serves as executive of the Roanoke Outside Foundation and executive director of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority. After a start in advertising, she has spent more than 25 years in economic development, helping to create more than 14,000 jobs and $1 billion of investment for the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

Episode 005 | Tim Cowden (Kansas City Area Development Council)
Episode 005 | Tim Cowden (Kansas City Area Development Council) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Nick Riashi talks with Tim Cowden about all things leadership. Tim shares wisdom about staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world, and how ego and selfishness can wreck a career. Tim firmly believes that he is only as strong as the team he leads. Today’s podcast is jam-packed with great leadership advice! You can follow Tim’s insights on Twitter @TimCowden

Tim Cowden is the president and CEO at Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). He’s been with KCADC for over 20 years, with a total of 30 years of economic development experience. Tim leads the strategic vision and direction for the KCADC team which serves the bi-state, 18-county region surrounding Kansas City.