Dorchester County Economic Development (DCED) Director Keasha Haythe, CEcD, was elected President of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) on Monday April 27, 2015, at the organization’s 54th annual conference held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge. Haythe, a 13-year industry veteran, certified economic development professional, and MEDA board member since 2009, takes on a key board position.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen by my peers in the economic development profession to serve as president of this outstanding organization,” Haythe said of her selection, adding, “I look forward to working with my colleagues in business, industry, and government to promote policies and programs that strengthen our state’s business climate.”
Haythe was appointed director of DCED in June 2008. In the past seven years, she has pursued an aggressive agenda designed to capitalize on Dorchester County’s core economic assets and develop collaborative partnerships to support high-level initiatives such as the Dorchester Regional Technology Park and the Eastern Shore Innovation Center (ESIC) incubator. During Haythe’s tenure, Dorchester County has completed Phase I of the technology park and announced Phase II of the park, which includes the construction of the ESIC facility.
“The MEDA Board of Directors are people making an investment of their time to transform the lives of Maryland residents,” said MEDA Executive Director Pamela J. Ruff. “These members are elected by their peers and are seen as leaders in the economic development profession.”
Under Haythe’s leadership, she formed the Economic Development Advisory Council, held a statewide Technology Summit, and launched a social-media marketing program that resulted in new business leads.
An Eastern Shore native, Haythe worked in banking before starting her career in economic development. This year, she was named one of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women. The married mother of three is also an ordained minister and active member of TriLife Christian Center Church in Easton.