Jeffrey Finkle

About Jeffrey Finkle

Jeffrey A. Finkle, CEcD Past President and CEO, International Economic Development Council As past President and CEO of IEDC - the world\'s largest economic development membership organization – Jeff Finkle is a recognized leader and international authority on economic development. Economic development is a complex field requiring financial skills, political acumen and the ability to gauge the social benefit that will result from any given undertaking, and Jeff has mastered of all of these over his career. With the formation of IEDC in 2001 following the merger of the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED)- where he was president for 15 years - and the American Economic Development Council (AEDC), Jeff set the course for a more effective and influential organization. Today IEDC is a $6 million annual operation that is renowned for its leadership in professionalizing and diversifying the field of economic development, and in the last decade the organization has vastly grown its programs and services. The Economic Development Research Partners Program (EDRP) was created to serve as a think tank within IEDC, furthering in-depth research on cutting-edge issues. Since the devastating hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005, IEDC has expanded its program in disaster recovery and preparedness. In cooperation with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, IEDC has facilitated connections between federal agencies and communities, as well as providing technical assistance and expertise to local EDOs nationwide. Under Jeff’s direction, IEDC managed the Association of University Research Parks and the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) for 3 and 10 years respectively, strengthening the stability and programs of each organization. Jeff also speaks at groups on regional economic development, revitalization and business retention. The growth of IEDC has been phenomenal including aggressive membership development and growth of services.

Experience

1. Consultant

   OECD-OCDE

   Oct 2024 — Present · Paris, FR

   I am serving as a consultant once more at the OECD in the LEED Program. OECD Local Employment and Economic Development Programme (LEED) provides practical solutions for how to build vibrant communities with more and better jobs.

Education

• The Ohio State University

  Post Graduate Studies

  1978 — 1980

• Ohio University

  BsC

  1972 — 1976

• Ohio University

  I have continued to be involved with my university and continue to learn and give back.

  1972 — 2022