Associate Director, Economic Development Planning

Danielle’s 16+ years of experience working in economic and community development, combined with her marketing and public relations background, makes Danielle a leading economic developer at the forefront of driving impactful change in communities.

Though Danielle leads strategic planning efforts across the country, her unique exposure to economic development is rooted in the US Gulf Coast. Her expertise in site selection, recruitment, and partnership efforts stems from her regional and county-wide work in the states of Alabama and Mississippi. For Steadfast City clients, she uses her nuanced understanding of the industry's intricacies to turn ideas into well-funded strategies.

Danielle’s experience also includes extensive work in industrial development, specifically in the automotive industry, with major manufacturers. Additionally, her expertise in workforce development allowed her to collaborate with existing industries - public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities - to foster innovation, development strategies, and workforce solutions.

Danielle and Steadfast City‘s mirrored values do not stop at developing better communities. Music also deeply drives Danielle’s professional and personal passions as an active member of her local church, serving as a worship team vocalist and women’s ministry leader. Her commitment to uplifting others is further mirrored in her dedication to her family life, where she juggles her responsibilities while raising two children with her husband in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Professional Experience

• Forsythe & Associates - Independent Site Selection Consultant

• Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority - Executive Director

• Madison County Economic Development Authority - Business Development Director & Chief Operating Officer

• East Mississippi Business Development Corporation - Business Development & Marketing Manager

Education

• University of Oklahoma - College of Professional & Continuing Studies, Economic Development Institute

• Mississippi College -

  • B.A. Arts

  • B.A. English Language & Literature

• Meridian Community College - Associates of Arts

Certifications

• Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), 2020

• Platinum Certified WorkKeys NCRC, 2019