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
Danielle Sparks
East County SBDC Director
Angela Nagel
Communications Manager
Lindsey Silvia
Project Manager
Alex Eberhardt
Project Manager
Sarah Gyselbrecht
Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors
Council Officers
Robert Pennoyer, Chair
RLP Enterprises, CEO
Bryan Shull, First Vice-Chair
Endeavor Bank
Barry Jantz, Second Vice-Chair
Jantz Communications
Kathy Olsen, Secretary
RCP Block & Brick, CAO
Jo Ann Peterson, Treasurer
Taylor Guitars
John Olsen, Immediate Past Chair
Mission Realty
James Sly, President/CEO
East County Economic Development Council
Council Directors
Laura Lothian
City of La Mesa, Councilmember
Joseph Britton
San Diego Gas & Electric, Government Affairs
Kathy Kassel
Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Dustin Trotter
City of Santee, Councilmember
Allen Young
Cox Business, Government Relations
Ray Major
SANDAG, Chief Economist/ Chief Data Analytics Officer
Dr. Lynn Neault
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, Chancellor
George Gastil
City of Lemon Grove, Council Member
Denise Cuellar
Home Bank of California
Phil Ortiz
Vice-Mayor/Councilmember, City of El Cajon
Sheri Painter
Birds Eye Aerial Drones, Owner
Jo Ann Peterson
Taylor Guitars, Director of Training and Development
Bill Pommering
Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Director Div.3, Vice President
Dana Quittner
Quittner Consulting, Owner
Sara Ramos
Public Consulting Group, Asst. Program Director – Employment Services
DeAna Verbeke
Alturair & Alturdyne
Christian Wallis
Grossmont Healthcare District
Rick Wilson
East County Chamber of Commerce, CEO
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
