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.
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.
| Year | Name | Company Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Tim Duerr | Richland County Economic Development (SC) |
| 2020 | Lesli Crofford | Oklahoma Department of Commerce |
| 2021 | Tommy Kurtz | Corpus Christi Regional EDC (TX) |
| 2022 | Tim Giuliani | Orlando Economic Partnership (FL) |
| 2022 | Shane Chadwick | Florida’s Great Northwest |
| 2022 | Kathryn Baird | City of Maple Ridge, British Columbia |
| 2023 | Melanie Moore | JAXUSA Partnership (FL) |
| 2023 | Antony Burton | Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (NC) |
| 2023 | Dat Nguyen | Oklahoma Department of Commerce |
| 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) |
| 2025 | Mary Beth Flournoy | Norfolk Southern |
| 2025 | Buda Team | Buda Economic Development Corporation (TX) |
| 2025 | Ben McDaniel | Development Authority of Walton County (GA) |