Staff
The economic development professionals at Dayton Development Coalition strive every day to make the Dayton Region a better place.
Carol Warner
Analyst
Carol Warner
Analyst
Carol Warner joined the Accelerant entrepreneurial venture fund team of the Dayton Development Coalition in 2015. Her role focuses on investment due diligence and financial reporting and analysis, including responsibility for regular communication of results to fund investors.
Carol was previously the CFO of Commuter Advertising, one of the Dayton Region Signature Fund investments, and brings good perspective and experience to the Accelerant team from the start-up company environment. She was selected as the 2012 CFO of the Year by the Dayton Business Journal while with Commuter Advertising. Carol came to Dayton in 2001 as Vice President – Finance of LM Berry and Company; her finance career with AT&T/Bellsouth/Berry spanned 20 years. Carol also has prior experience in public accounting and was certified as a CPA in Georgia. She received both an MBA and BA from Emory University’s Goizueta School of Business in Atlanta, Georgia.
Carol has been active in the community since coming to Dayton. She currently serves on the board of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, and is the treasurer of the United States Air and Trade Show and deputy treasurer of the Citizens for Good Libraries. She previously served on the boards of the Miami Valley Research Foundation, Dayton Opera and the Organizational Review Committee of United Way of the Greater Dayton Area. She was a member of the Leadership Dayton Class of 2004.
Chris Bills
Project Manager
Chris Bills
Project Manager
As a project manager, Chris collaborates with company executives, local economic developers, and JobsOhio to help facilitate business expansion and retention projects throughout the Dayton region.
Chris previously spent eight years as the Director of Business Development at Brown & Bills Architects, leading marketing initiatives in housing, industrial, adaptive reuse, commercial, and public sectors.
He is a resident of Dayton and serves as a board member of the I-70/75 Development Association and NAIOP Dayton.
David Burrows, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Engagement
David Burrows, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Engagement
Dave Burrows is the Vice President of Engagement. Dave has 25 years of professional experience ranging from manufacturing to executive leadership in both the public and private sectors. Dave previously spent over four years with the DDC as Vice President of Economic Development Programs. Dave was instrumental in the development of JobsOhio at the DDC.
Previously, Dave led the Business Services division at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley as the Vice President. His team had more than 250 dedicated people located throughout the region. This team did janitorial service in over 3 million square feet daily including, space at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The division also performs services like packaging, small assemblies, computer recycling, computer sales, and other electronic recycling. Over 75% of the employees are people with disabilities or other disadvantages.
Prior to Goodwill, Dave helped Fuyao Industry Group make the decision to build a new factory in Moraine, Ohio, at the former General Motors Assembly Plant. Later he became Vice President for Fuyao. During Dave’s tenure at Fuyao, they hired over 2000 people, expanded a 1.4 million square foot building to 2 million, installed all of the assembly lines, and started full production of products.
Dave also has had a personal passion for small business in the Miami Valley area as he is a former owner of multiple Cold Stone Creamery franchises. Dave also worked in a family manufacturing business that had four facilities located in two states. He did everything from running CNC equipment and programming to operations and sales.
Dave holds a BA degree in Management from Wilmington College. Over the years, he continued his education through extensive business ownership and management training.
Currently, Dave serves on several local boards and is an active leader and volunteer in the local community. He is an inaugural inductee of his high school’s sports hall of fame.
Dave and his wife Jackie have two children and reside in Vandalia, Ohio.
David Harrison
CFO
David Harrison
CFO
David Harrison joined the Dayton Development Coalition in 2007. He brings almost 30 years of professional finance experience in his role as the Chief Financial Officer, where he oversees the financial operations of the Dayton Development Coalition. In his role, he plans, monitors, and administers all functional activities related to finance, accounting, budgeting, and also coordinates human resources and contract management requirements for the Coalition.
Prior to joining the Coalition, David was a manager of corporate finance for the Bank of America, Time Mirror, and Lexis Nexis. Born and raised in the Dayton area, David received his undergraduate degree from Wright State University while serving as an enlisted member of the Ohio Air National Guard in Springfield, Ohio. David also has a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Elaine Bryant
Executive Vice President, Aerospace and Defense
Elaine Bryant
Executive Vice President, Aerospace and Defense
Elaine Bryant is the Dayton Development Coalition’s Executive Vice President of Aerospace and Defense and the Managing Director of JobsOhio’s Military Federal Sector. In both roles, Elaine has worked to preserve and protect the federal assets in the Dayton region and statewide since October 2019.
Elaine has over two decades of experience in the U.S. Air Force, finishing her career as deputy chief of the Human Systems Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Elaine is an Air Force Academy graduate with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. She also has a master’s degree in aerospace from the University of Maryland and she was an Assistant Professor for Aeronautics at the Air Force Academy. Her experience in the Air Force includes program management and engineering leadership positions at AFRL, HQ AFMC, F-35 JPO, and SAF/AQR. She has served as a Commander at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Squadron 24 and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center's Foreign Material Exploitation Squadron at Wright-Patt.
At the Dayton Development Coalition, Elaine leads all aerospace and defense initiatives associated with WPAFB, SANGB, and the Dayton VA. Her projects include efforts to attract jobs and capital investment from the DOD and other federal entities, in addition to preserving and protecting the current missions in the 14-county Dayton Region through advocacy and proactive measures. She also directs and executes industry engagements with companies in the state of Ohio and outside the state to determine advantageous partnerships to expand and/or relocate operations to Ohio. Elaine also serves as the first Managing Director for the JobsOhio Military and Federal sector which recognizes the impact federal installations have on the state and support their growth. She works across the state with economic development organizations and community partners to present and protect all our military and federal missions.
In addition to her roles at the DDC and JobsOhio, Elaine has served on several Statewide and Academic Boards. She was selected to serve on the National Board of the Association of Defense Communities in 2024.
Erin Staley
Communications Specialist
Erin Staley
Communications Specialist
A Dayton native, Erin Staley joined the Dayton Development Coalition staff as a Communications Specialist. In this role, Erin creates content for and manages the DDC’s social media platforms and writes project announcement press releases and success stories.
Before joining the Coalition, Erin worked as a Communications Coordinator for Gold Medal Products, the leading concession equipment manufacturer. She has also done several internships within Dayton’s nonprofit sector at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley and Dayton Live.
Erin received a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Risk Communication and Public Relations and Strategic Communication from Ashland University and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is currently the Head Swim Coach at her alma mater, Chaminade Julienne High School. She is also an active volunteer member of the Junior League Dayton.
Janet Harp
Vice President, Stakeholder Relations
Janet Harp
Vice President, Stakeholder Relations
Janet Harp joined the Dayton Development Coalition in 2015 as the Director of Stakeholder Relations. Janet brings over 15 years of professional experience to the DDC where she is responsible for membership and development.
Prior to joining the Coalition, Janet spent 10 years at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where she acted as the Director of Sponsorships. During her tenure there she was instrumental in building community awareness and procuring sponsorship for major events including the Air Force Marathon and the AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo. Janet also previously worked as a victim's advocate for the Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County.
Raised in the Miami Valley, Janet received her Bachelor's degree from Wright State University. She also serves on the Artemis Center Board. In her spare time, she enjoys running, cycling, and reading. A music enthusiast, Janet can often be found playing Bluegrass music on her fiddle.
Jeff Gord
Project Manager
Jeff Gord
Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Jeff Gord works alongside local and state economic development partners to attract, expand, and retain businesses in the Dayton Region.
He spent three years as an Economic Development Coordinator at Greene County, administering economic development, site selection, and business outreach programs.
Jeff is a graduate of Miami University. He lives with his wife and son in Beavercreek, Ohio.
Jeff Hoagland
President & CEO
Jeff Hoagland
President & CEO
Jeff Hoagland is the President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC). The Coalition is the Dayton Region’s economic development organization and principle public advocate.
After graduating from the University of Dayton in 1991, Mr. Hoagland worked in the Montgomery County Community and Economic Development office for five (5) years. In 1995, he joined the City of Kettering, where he served in various roles including Community Development Administrator, Economic Development Manager, and finally as Assistant City Manager. In 2004, Jeff joined the City of Vandalia as its City Manager, a role he held until joining the Dayton Development Coalition in December 2010. Jeff assumed the role of President and CEO in June of 2011.
Jeff is actively involved in the Dayton Region. He serves on the boards of the Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) and the Downtown Dayton Partnership. Jeff is also a member of the Dayton Rotary, the Greater Dayton Mayors and Managers Association, Air Force Materiel Command CLP and the Air Force Association (AFA). Mr. Hoagland is frequently a guest lector in government classes at the University of Dayton and Wright State University. He and his wife are also very active with Catholic Social Services and youth sports. A passionate basketball fan, he is the immediate past chairman of The Big Hoopla NCAA First Four Local Operating Committee.
Jeff graduated with a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Public Administration from Wright State University.
Jeff resides in Vandalia, OH, with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons Charlie and Jake. Jeff was born and grew up in Elyria, Ohio (30 minutes west of Cleveland) and is the second youngest of nine (9) children.
Jocelin Dean
Associate Talent Manager
Jocelin Dean
Associate Talent Manager
Jocelin Dean joined the DDC as the Associate Talent Manager in June of 2023. In this role she will be working closely with the Talent Acquisition Director to support the workforce and talent needs of our long-standing local businesses and crafting recommendations to attract new businesses to the Dayton Region. Before the DDC she was with Sinclair Community College in their Work-based Learning Office, where her focus was connecting students and employers through internships, apprenticeships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Jocelin is a native Ohian, growing up in Columbiana County before receiving her Bachelor’s in Communication from Wittenberg and settling in Dayton with her husband Nick and two children.
She’s involved in several community organizations including the Junior League of Dayton and the Ohio Cooperative Education Association. Additionally, she was recognized by the DBJ as a 40 Under 40 recipient in 2019 and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Dayton.
Julie Sullivan
Executive Vice President of Regional Development
Julie Sullivan
Executive Vice President of Regional Development
Julie Sullivan brings a career in business development - more than a decade of which has been in economic development - and a life-long passion for the Dayton Region to her work at the Dayton Development Coalition.
In 2014, Sullivan joined the Dayton Development Coalition, western Ohio’s regional economic development organization.
As Executive Vice President of Regional Development, Sullivan is responsible for establishing regional priorities and execution of strategies to support those priorities in collaboration with public, private and non-profit partners in order to grow the region’s economic base.
Prior to joining the DDC, Sullivan was Director of Business Development for the Downtown Dayton Partnership. She was recognized by the Dayton Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 in 2012, one of the Top 25 Women to Watch for 2013 by Women in Business Networking and a Power 50 female business leader for 2016 - 2022 by the Dayton Business Journal.
In 2017 she was named one of the Top 50 economic development officials in the United States by economic development group Consultant Connect. The award, nominated by site selectors, honors professionals who have played a significant role in representing their communities for companies interested in locating in the region.
In 2022 she was designated as a Commodore by the Association of Ohio Commodores whose mission is to assist the State of Ohio in its advancement in all areas contributing to the economic growth and development of the State, and the greater prosperity of its citizens.
Sullivan serves on the boards of Dayton History, Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School, and Bloom Community Services.
Sullivan holds a BS in Marketing from the University of Dayton. She lives in Dayton with her husband and three sons.
Marie Davis
Director, Talent Acquisition
Marie Davis
Director, Talent Acquisition
Marie Davis joined the Dayton Development Coalition in 2018. In her role as the Director for Talent Acquisition, she assists in the coordination and delivery of a wide range of talent acquisition strategies and services for businesses expanding or seeking to locate in the Dayton Region.
Marie comes to the DDC from Montgomery County with 14 years of experience in Workforce Development. She served as a critical person in helping to connect the resources available through OhioMeansJobs | Montgomery County to Employers throughout our Region. Further, she served as a member of the Regional Rapid Response Team which aided downsizing or closing businesses. Ms. Davis has also contributed in hosting various hiring and job fairs within our region, in addition to conducting employer-specific job and hiring events for dislocated workers.
A graduate of Wright State University, she lives in Brookville with her husband and two sons.
Matt Shimp
Manager, Research & Analytics
Matt Shimp
Manager, Research & Analytics
Matt Shimp is an experienced economic development professional with a strong focus on site selection and economic development research. Since joining the Dayton Development Coalition in 2014, he has played a pivotal role in supporting the JobsOhio West team through site selection administration, comprehensive research, and related initiatives. Matt also leads as the point of contact for SiteOhio, Ohio's site authentication program. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Geography & Pre-Law from Ohio University, equipping him with a solid foundation in data analysis, economic development research and mapping software.
Michael Dustman
Program Director for JobsOhio Military & Federal Sector
Michael Dustman
Program Director for JobsOhio Military & Federal Sector
Michael Dustman is employed by the Dayton Development Coalition and currently serves as
the Program Director for JobsOhio Military & Federal Sector. In his role, Michael acts a liaison
between JobsOhio and the military facilities, defense communities and veterans communities
throughout the State of Ohio. Aerospace and Defense are critical to our national security and
has a large economic impact in Ohio. Michael works in coordination with the six JobsOhio
Regional Partners to advocate for economic development projects, future defense missions, and
to promote Ohio as the most military and federal employee friendly state – welcoming
personnel and families to be stationed in Ohio.
Prior to stepping into his current role, Michael served for 12 years as the Director of
Constituent Services for Ohio U.S. Senator Rob Portman. He directed a staff of four caseworkers
who act as liaisons to federal government agencies for Ohio constituents. Michael was also
responsible for statewide outreach on military and veterans issues. He regularly attended
meetings with statewide veterans groups, retirees and military organizations and reported to
the Senator the issues and concerns of those communities. As part of this outreach, Michael
was responsible for meeting with all of Ohio’s military facilities, installations and defense
community groups to recommend to the Senator ways to further reinforce Ohio’s defense
capabilities, protect Ohio defense jobs and strengthen national security. In 2006, Michael was
awarded the Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States, the
highest honor awarded to a civilian, for outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed
Forces of the United States, the National Guard and their families.
Michael started his public service as a Military and Veterans caseworker for Senator Mike
DeWine in 1997 and retired with 26 years of public service experience with the United States
Senate. He also served as the Director of Constituent Services for former U.S. Senator Mike
DeWine and former U.S. Senator George Voinovich.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio Michael resides in Grove City, Ohio with his wife and two
children. He is a 1996 graduate of The Ohio State University. On his nights and weekends he
performs as comedy magician for corporate events.
Michael Gessel
Vice President, Federal Gov. Programs
Michael Gessel
Vice President, Federal Gov. Programs
Michael Gessel has managed the Coalition’s Washington, D.C. office since 2003. He is responsible for government relations and advocacy for the Coalition’s programs to federal government agencies and the Ohio Congressional delegation.
Michael has spent more than four decades working with Dayton region-related federal issues in Washington, D.C., including supporting Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and other federal installations. His work resulted in blocking the proposed 1996 closing of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), authorizing construction funding for the National Museum of the United States Air Force, increasing defense research funding, and directing the National Research Council to study Air Force organizational issues affecting science and technology, and establishing the Department of Veteran’s Affairs National History Center in Dayton.
Michael helped draft legislation to create the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Centennial of Flight Commission, and National Aviation Heritage Area. He also helped develop legislation paving the way to convert the Energy Department’s Mound Plant to the Mound Advanced Technology Center, a science technology and business park focused on companies in key advanced technological growth areas. He assisted in securing federal funding to launch the National Center for Industrial Competitiveness and the National Composite Center. In addition, Michael’s work supported federal funding for the construction of various Dayton region landmarks, including the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Fifth Third Field, RiverScape, Dayton Veterans Affairs Patient Tower, Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and air traffic control tower of the Dayton International Airport.
His articles about legislative process have appeared in the “Outlook” section of the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and Roll Call newspaper.
Prior to joining the Coalition in 2003, Michael served as an associate staff member of the House Rules Committee and minority counsel of its Subcommittee on Rules and Organization of the House. In addition, Michael served as chief of staff and press secretary to former Representative Tony Hall (D-Dayton). Following Representative Hall’s resignation from the House of Representatives in 2002, Michael was appointed by the Clerk of the House as Administrator for Ohio’s 3rd District Congressional office. Previously, he was legislative assistant to Representative Robert T. Matsui (D-Sacramento) and Representative Charles W. Whalen (R- Dayton).
Michael is a 1978 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in American Civilization.
Penny Kouse
Executive Assistant to the President
Penny Kouse
Executive Assistant to the President
Penny Kouse joined the Dayton Development Coalition in October, 2013. In her current role, she supports the office of the President and CEO; and, oversees administrative support to the Coalition’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.
Prior to joining the Coalition, Penny spent over four years with Ball Aerospace & Technologies in their Dayton operation as an Executive Assistant to the Director.
Penny is very familiar with and supports the mission and vision of the Coalition, having worked for the Coalition from 1996 – 1999. Penny is involved in her church; and, in her spare time is an active community volunteer.
Ryan Blackburn
Project Manager, Military and Federal Sector
Ryan Blackburn
Project Manager, Military and Federal Sector
Ryan Blackburn is a native of central Ohio and an Air Force veteran. While serving on active duty from 2004-2010 as an Operations Intelligence Analyst, Ryan deployed to Iraq twice and once to Afghanistan. His first permanent duty assignment took him to Spangdahlem, Germany where he lived for two years supporting the Air Force European Command. The latter part of his military career was spent at Hill Air Force Base outside of Salt Lake City, Utah where he supported tactical level F-16 operations. He also had numerous temporary assignments including ones in Italy and Alaska.
After completing his service to the Air Force in 2010, Ryan worked in the finance and real estate industries. Ryan utilized his post-military education benefits to pursue a bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University in Business Administration and then a graduate leadership certificate in Public and Non-profit Leadership from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. He worked as a Veteran Peer Sponsor while at Ohio State, helping new veteran students acclimate to the collegiate atmosphere and providing guidance and resources to the student veteran population on campus.
That veteran interaction and assistance led to Ryan joining the State of Ohio Department of Veterans Services. Ryan worked as the Workforce Manager with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services from 2016-2022, where he directed a team of consultants across the state that assisted employers with hiring veterans. Ryan also worked strategically with national organizations to help Ohio become the premier destination for military veterans and their families.
Ryan currently resides in Lewis Center, Ohio with his wife, Allison, and their two sons, Parker and Evan.
Sarah Custer
Senior Project Manager
Sarah Custer
Senior Project Manager
Sarah Custer joined the Dayton Development Coalition in 2015. In her role as Senior Project Manager, Sarah works closely with economic development partners at the state and local levels, and other key stakeholders in business expansion and attraction projects throughout the 12 county Dayton Region. Her responsibilities also include community engagement & outreach and business development efforts. Additional areas of focus include redevelopment and revitalization opportunities in the region.
Prior to joining the DDC, Sarah spent 5 years in Project Manager with Innomark Communications, and has worked in real estate in the Cincinnati area. She was recently recognized by the Dayton Business Journal in the 2018 Class of Forty Under 40 Awards.
Sarah co-chairs a regional Economic Development Young Professionals (ED YP) group, in association with OEDA, which professional development, networking opportunities, education and industry insights to those who are new to economic development or interested in started their career.
Sarah is a graduate of Ohio University.
Sarah Spees
Business Development & Project Management
Sarah Spees
Business Development & Project Management
Sarah Spees is a client focused business professional bringing over 25 years of diverse experience to her role in Business Development and Project Management at the Dayton Development Coalition.
Sarah came to the DDC in 2021 after 10 years as Senior Business Manager at the Dayton International Airport, overseeing all non-aeronautical revenue. There, she was instrumental in contractual agreements, business development, airport terminal modernization construction projects as well as leading the ACDBE (Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) program for the airport. Sarah’s additional experience includes being a prior small business owner and consultant, organizational development leadership roles, and a Division Manager, Senior Buyer, and Planner with Federated Department Stores in Cincinnati.
Sarah served as the volunteer Director of The Big Hoopla, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 organization centered around providing annual support and tickets to Airmen, their families, and students to the NCAA Men’s First Four basketball games at UD Arena. She is a Board member of the Ohio Aviation Association (OAA), and a previous member of Airports Council International (ACI), Dayton Children’s Medical Center Board, Cincinnati Horticultural Society and Girls on the Run.
Growing up in the East Coast, Sarah graduated from the University of Dayton with a BSBA, with a double major in Marketing and English. An avid runner, she lives in Dayton with her husband and five children.
Shannon Joyce Neal
Vice President, Strategic Communication
Shannon Joyce Neal
Vice President, Strategic Communication
Shannon Joyce Neal brings a love of writing and a background in print journalism to her work as the primary spokeswoman for the Dayton Development Coalition. She manages the marketing and communications operations for the private, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to attracting new jobs and capital investment to the 14-county Dayton region.
Joyce Neal worked as a reporter for the Dayton Daily News both in Dayton and Washington, DC, as well as for The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Western Colorado. Her award-winning work included feature stories, investigative pieces and breaking news coverage. Her beats included economic development, business, and local, state, and federal governments. She also served as Assistant Business Editor for the Dayton Daily News. Her freelance work included marketing materials and magazine features for Dayton-area businesses and non-profits.
Recognition for her work includes the University of Denver’s Morton Margolin Prize for Distinguished Business Reporting, an AAF-Dayton Bronze Addy, GW’s Jesse Fredrick Essary Prize in Reporting, and multiple awards from the Colorado Press Association.
Shannon is a graduate of The George Washington University with degrees in Journalism and Spanish Language and Literature. She lives in Centerville with her husband and two sons.
Shawn Underwood
Executive Assistant
Shawn Underwood
Executive Assistant
Shawn Underwood joined the Dayton Development Coalition in November 2013. In her role as Executive Assistant, she provides support to the teams of the entrepreneurial venture fund, Accelerant, and the JobsOhio West initiative.
Prior to joining the DDC, Shawn spent 24 years with WorkflowOne (formerly Relizon and Reynolds & Reynolds) as an Executive Administrative Assistant to the Vice- President of Finance, CFO, Controller, Director of Legal Services and Manager of Real Estate. In her role, she performed various duties including assisting with month- end close, preparing budget reports, and assisting with the execution and implementation of customer and vendor contracts, and was the administrator of the intranet websites for Finance and Manufacturing & Operations.
For the past 12 years, Shawn dedicated the majority of her time as cheerleading coach at Stivers School for the Arts where she also used this time as an opportunity to mentor and develop young people. Since retiring from coaching in 2013, Shawn spends her time serving on the board of Polishedgirlz, where she also serves as advisor and assistant to the founder of the organization and assists with brand marketing.
Sydney Eldridge
Digital & Design Marketing Communications Specialist
Sydney Eldridge
Digital & Design Marketing Communications Specialist
Sydney Eldridge is the Digital and Design Marketing Communications Specialist Designer for the Dayton Development Coalition. Sydney’s role at the DDC is to be the creative force behind the DDC’s visual identity, which also includes a little bit of Photography.
Having collaborated with a diverse range of clients, working at small print shops, and working for her college campus, Sydney understands the power of effective design.
Sydney attended the University of Dayton and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. Before her four-year stint, Sydney got her start in high school attending Miami Valley Career Technology Center where she studied Commercial Graphic Arts.
When she is not immersed in her role as a Digital and Design Marketing Communications Specialist, Sydney enjoys exploring new artistic trends and finding inspiration in everyday life. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of design trends ensures that her work remains fresh, relevant, and impactful.
Ted Angel
Director, Projects & Business Development for Aerospace and Defense
Ted Angel
Director, Projects & Business Development for Aerospace and Defense
Ted is the Director of Projects and Business Development for Aerospace & Defense for the Dayton Development Coalition. In this role, Ted is responsible for attraction, expansion and retention of Aerospace and Defense companies throughout the region.
Prior to his role as the Director of Projects and Business Development for Aerospace & Defense, he was the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Agile Combat Support Directorate, Air Force Life-cycle Management Center and Chief, Acquisitions and Sustainment for the Aircrew Flight Equipment career field. He advised program executive officers and senior materiel leaders on enlisted matters and lifesaving aircrew flight equipment programs.
Before his tenure at the Coalition, Ted spent 27 and half years in the United States Air Force, serving in every major leadership role to include Aircrew Flight Equipment Superintendent, Squadron Superintendent, Command Manager and Senior Enlisted Leader.
Ted was born in Texas and raised in the Warren, Ohio area, Ted received his B.A. from American Military University in International Relations and has completed all Senior Enlisted Military education to include the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (JSOFSEA).
Ted is an active volunteer in his community in his spare time and he and his wife Adina have three adult children and reside in the Dayton Region.
Tracy Tapia
Manager, Special Events
Tracy Tapia
Manager, Special Events
Tracy is the Special Events Manager for the Dayton Development Coalition and manages core events for the Coalition including, but not limited to, the annual Community Leader Fly-In, Corona, Hometown Heroes, military receptions, development forums, and many others.
Prior to joining the Coalition, Tracy spent nearly 36 years at Universal Technology Corporation, recently acquired by ARCTOS, in Beavercreek, OH, as a senior-level events manager. In this role, she specialized in planning federal government conferences, events, and meetings.
Tracy is a true professional and her many accomplishments include working with different levels of budgets and executing cost-saving expenditures to deliver high-quality events. Through her tenure at Universal Technology Corporation, she received many employee of the quarter awards and one very special employee of the year (2012) award. Born and raised in the Dayton area, Tracy’s studies included coursework in business management and marketing at Sinclair Community College and Wright State University. Tracy is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).
Tracy is an active community volunteer; in her spare time, she loves to entertain and has a passion for cooking. She also enjoys riding bikes and enjoying the outdoors. Tracy and her husband, Carlos, reside in Clearcreek Township.