Technology Leadership Award

The GIS WebTech Technology Leadership Award

The GIS WebTech Technology Leadership Award honors outstanding economic developers who are advancing the profession and redefining what is possible through innovative uses of GIS technology. This prestigious award, open to all economic development practitioners across North America, is presented annually to recognize individuals and teams who exemplify technological excellence and visionary leadership.

In an era of rapid technological transformation, economic developers have risen to the challenge—pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and setting new standards of performance. Each recipient of this award has led groundbreaking initiatives that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge GIS technology with bold strategic thinking, transforming how communities attract investment, foster growth, and tell their unique stories to the world.

Award winners are trailblazers—pioneers who are shaping the future of economic development through technology, collaboration, and forward-thinking vision. Their leadership not only delivers measurable results today but also lays the foundation for smarter, more connected, and resilient communities of tomorrow.

Winners are judged on the following criteria:

  1. Technological Innovation
    • • The extent to which the nominee has leveraged GIS or related digital tools in an inventive or transformative way.
  2. Strategic Vision & Leadership
    • • How effectively has the nominee used technology to advance organizational goals and redefine economic development strategy.
  3. Impact on Economic Development Outcomes
    • • Measured by the tangible or demonstrable results of the nominee’s technological initiatives.
  4. Storytelling, Communication & User Experience
    • • How well the nominee uses GIS technology to communicate complex information in compelling, accessible ways.
  5. Collaboration & Industry Leadership
    • • The nominee’s role in elevating the broader economic development community through outreach, partnerships, or thought leadership.
  6. Optional Bonus Points
    • • For exceptional accomplishments that exceed the standard criteria.
    • Award nomination applications open in summer 2026.

Previous Winners:

Year Name Company Name
2025 Mary Beth Flournoy Norfolk Southern
2025 Buda Team Buda Economic Development Corporation (TX)
2025 Ben McDaniel Development Authority of Walton County (GA)
2024 Lisa Denton and the Kilgore EDC Team Kilgore EDC (TX)
2024 Mike Razo and Suvam Patel Riverside County (CA)
2024 Ryan Hall The Shoals Economic Development Authority (AL)
2023 Melanie Moore JAXUSA Partnership (FL)
2023 Antony Burton Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (NC)
2023 Dat Nguyen Oklahoma Department of Commerce
2022 Tim Giuliani Orlando Economic Partnership (FL)
2022 Shane Chadwick Florida’s Great Northwest
2022 Kathryn Baird City of Maple Ridge, British Columbia
2021 Tommy Kurtz Corpus Christi Regional EDC (TX)
2020 Lesli Crofford Oklahoma Department of Commerce
2019 Tim Duerr Richland County Economic Development (SC)