Our Mission
Since 1984, East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) has been at the forefront of promoting economic development, spurring stimulation of investment in East County, and fostering partnership and cooperation among businesses and organizations throughout San Diego County.
The East County Economic Development Council Foundation was formed in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) to address specific research, education, and economic development projects in conjunction with the ECEDC, a 501(c)6 business non-profit. The two organizations work together to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable economy, addressing their joint missions through innovative projects, purpose-driven collaboration, and assertive promotion.
Who We Are
As you follow State Route 52 East, you drive over the large mountain range and you are instantly surrounded by beautiful green brush. On occasion you can see a deer or someone hiking one of the many trails in Mission Trails Regional Park. As you start your descent down the hill, you see a city on the horizon and mountain ranges that surround the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Santee, as well as the unincorporated communities of Alpine, Lakeside, Rancho San Diego, and Spring Valley– this is beautiful East County.
An Innovative and Creative Team
We’re working to make San Diego neighborhoods, small businesses, and community members stronger.
Meet the Team
James Sly
President & CEO
Jo Marie Diamond
Strategic Advisor
Meri Birhane
East County SBDC Director
Angela Nagel
Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Sarah Gyselbrecht
Project Manager
Alex Eberhardt
Economic Research & Development Manager
Robyn Carlson
Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors
Council Officers
Bryan Shull, Chair
Endeavor Bank
Barry Jantz, First Vice-Chair
Jantz Communications
Jo Ann Peterson, Second Vice-Chair
Jo Peterson Consulting
John Olsen, Secretary
Mission Realty
Kathy Olsen, Treasurer
RCP Block & Brick, Inc
Robert Pennoyer, Immediate Past Chair
Rlp Consulting Group, LLC
James Sly, President/CEO
East County Economic Development Council
Council Directors
Joe Britton
San Diego Gas & Electric
Denise Cuellar
East County Schools Federal Credit Union
Kristen Dare
Santee Chamber of Commerce
Alysson Snow
City of Lemon Grove
Kathy Kassel
Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
Laura Lothian
City of La Mesa
Patrick McGarry
Xceptional
Dr. Lynn Neault
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
Phil Ortiz
City of El Cajon
Sheri Painter
Birds Eye Aerial Drones
Bill Pommering
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Dana Quittner
Quittner Consulting
Sara Ramos
Public Consulting Group
Ronn Hall
City of Santee
Rick Urban
Quality Control Manufacturing, Inc
DeAna Verbeke
Alturair
Christian Wallis
Grossmont Healthcare District
Rick Wilson
East County Chamber of Commerce
Allen Young
Cox Business
Foundation Officers:
John Olsen, Chair
Mission Realty
Joe Mackey, Vice Chair & Secretary
XL Staffing & Excell Security Inc.
Bryan Shull, Treasurer
Endeavor Bank
James Sly, President/CEO
East County Economic Development Council Foundation, CEO
