CO Governor Hickenlooper announces resignation of OEDIT executive director / Stephanie Copeland named CEO of national nonprofit
DENVER – Monday, Dec. 10, 2018 — Governor Hickenlooper today announced that Stephanie Copeland has resigned as Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Executive Director to become chief executive officer of the national nonprofit, The Governance Project.
Appointed by Gov, Hickenlooper in 2016, Copeland departs the state with Colorado enjoying record low unemployment, record-setting GDP and back-to-back years of top ranking for numerous national economic accolades including US News & World Report’s’ 2017 and 2018 top state economy.
“Stephanie’s drive and dedication have served the State exceptionally well,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “I’m grateful for her service and pleased that this new challenge is such a strong fit. Stephanie adds great vision and experience to a dynamic nonprofit. The Governance Project gives a national audience the exact type of local engagement and empowerment that she cultivated here in Colorado.”
While at OEDIT, Copeland created programs that are driving sustainable and widespread economic growth across the state, such as Startup Colorado and the Greater Colorado Venture Fund. Under her leadership, the office successfully contracted dozens of companies to bring tens of thousands of prospective new jobs that further diversify and fuel Colorado’s economy.
“Service to the State exceeded my highest expectations and that’s directly attributable to Governor Hickenlooper’s leadership,” said OEDIT Executive Director Stephanie Copeland. “Our success reflects the Governor’s commitment to secure the right experience for the challenge at hand and let people drive to the right outcomes. I’m excited to share Colorado’s successes with communities throughout the nation facing similar challenges.”
Copeland will remain at OEDIT until Dec. 31, 2018. Her successor will be appointed by the new administration.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor John Hickenlooper, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.
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