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
Matt Sanford
President & CEO
Jo Marie Diamond
Strategic Advisor
Meri Williams
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
Announcing our new CEO!
The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Sanford as Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search conducted in partnership with executive search firm Blair Search Partners.
Sanford brings nearly two decades of economic development leadership experience across the San Diego region. Prior to joining ECEDC, he served as Economic Development Director for the City of Carlsbad and previously held leadership roles with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.
As an East County resident with strong ties to the region, Sanford has collaborated with local governments, employers, and regional organizations on initiatives aimed at strengthening economic opportunity and long-term competitiveness.
“I am honored to join ECEDC and build upon the strong foundation established by its leadership and partners,” said Sanford. “East County plays a vital role in the region’s economic future, and I look forward to expanding opportunities that support businesses and our communities.”
Sanford succeeds James Sly, whose leadership helped position ECEDC as a leading regional convener for economic and workforce development initiatives.
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
Matt Sanford, President/CEO
East County Economic Development Council
Council Directors
Michael Bice
Vortex Engineering
Joe Britton
San Diego Gas & Electric
Denise Cuellar
East County Schools Federal Credit Union
Ronn Hall
City of Santee
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
Ryan Purdy
Sharp Healthcare
Dana Quittner
Quittner Consulting
Sara Ramos
Public Consulting Group
Grace Sevilla
San Diego County Water Authority
Alysson Snow
City of Lemon Grove
Rick Urban
Quality Control Manufacturing, Inc
DeAna Verbeke
Alturair
Rick Wilson
East County Chamber of Commerce
Foundation Officers:
John Olsen, Secretary
Mission Realty
Robert Pennoyer, Chair
Rlp Consulting Group, LLC
Bryan Shull, Treasurer
Endeavor Bank
