DT #536 Leadership and Giving Back to the Economic Development Profession - Barry Matherly
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 01/29/2025
DT #607 Crystal Ball 2026: Nathan Ohle on the Future of Economic Development, Leadership & IEDC at 100
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
As part of the Develop This! Crystal Ball Series kicking off 2026, host sits down with , President & CEO of the , for a wide-ranging conversation on where the profession is headed—and how leaders can prepare for what’s next. Nathan shares insights from his extensive travels and conversations with economic developers across the country, highlighting how the role of the practitioner is evolving. From deeper engagement with rural communities to increased cross-sector collaboration, economic development is becoming more complex—and more impactful—than ever. The discussion also...
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Dt #608 Crystal Ball 2026: Mark Perna on the Future of Workforce, Youth & Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
As Develop This! kicks off 2026, host Dennis Fraise continues the Crystal Ball series with a timely and thought-provoking conversation with —generational expert, author of , speaker, and contributor. Together, Dennis and Mark explore how the workforce and education landscape has (and hasn’t) changed since Answering Why was published in 2018. They examine generational shifts, the widening skills and readiness gap, and the urgent need for visionary leadership across economic development, education, and workforce systems. Mark shares powerful insights on what young people are really asking...
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DT #615 Advocacy That Gets Projects Done: Working With Elected Officials
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This! host interviews President & CEO, former Mayor & IL State Representative, who shares hard-earned insights on how local leaders can advocate effectively with elected officials to get economic development projects across the finish line. Drawing on his experience as a city council member, mayor, and state representative, Kyle explains the practical realities that shape project outcomes, including timing, coalitions, data, and political context. They discuss: Why advocacy often comes too late—and how to avoid this pitfall. How elected officials...
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DT #606 Leading So People Want to Follow: Board Leadership That Works
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What truly makes an effective board chair in economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, the #1 economic development podcast, host sits down with , President of ., and , to explore the role of the board chair—and why influence matters more than authority. Drawing from decades of leading multi-generational, community-rooted businesses and serving as board chair for two economic development organizations, Bob shares hard-earned insights on leadership that earns trust, not compliance. He explains why the loudest voice in the room rarely leads to the best outcomes—and how...
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DT #604 So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Building a Career That Matters - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of host welcomes nationally recognized speaker and thought leader for a powerful conversation on career growth, motivation, and personal development. From the earliest stages of a career to seasoned leadership, Mark and Dennis explore what truly drives long-term success. The discussion dives into the importance of intentionally stepping outside your comfort zone, seeking meaningful mentorship, and committing to continuous self-improvement. Mark shares his personal journey as a public speaker—highlighting the setbacks, failures, and self-reflection that shaped his...
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DT #605 From Tariffs to Talent: What’s Shaping Corporate Location Decisions Today
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of — Host sits down with , Managing Director at and a leading expert in location economics and site selection, for a timely conversation about how tariffs, policy volatility, and global uncertainty are reshaping corporate investment decisions. This episode is presented in partnership with the , highlighting how collaboration between economic developers and professional site selectors leads to better outcomes for communities and companies alike. Tracey shares insights from her work at BLS & Company, explaining why successful projects must create value on both sides of...
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DT #602 From Talent to Sites: Virginia’s Blueprint for Economic Success
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Show Notes In this episode of , host sits down with , President and CEO of the , to explore how Virginia has earned — and maintained — its reputation as one of the best states for business. Jason shares how Virginia’s nonpartisan approach to economic development ensures continuity, focus, and accountability. He dives deep into the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a national model for workforce training that has helped attract global leaders like AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly. From site readiness to speed-to-market, Virginia’s economic playbook emphasizes agility,...
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DT #603 Mentors, Milestones & Momentum: How Marsellas Williams Built His ED Career
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Overview In this inspiring episode of the Podcast, host Dennis Fraise reconnects with newly certified economic developer for a candid and energetic conversation about what it truly takes to grow in the economic development profession. Marsellas reflects on his personal journey—from entering the field in 2018 to overcoming the rigorous path toward earning his . He highlights the powerful role of mentorship, the importance of leaning into professional values and faith, and the real-life challenges that come with stepping into the world of community and economic development. ...
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DT #601 Inside the Site Selectors Guild Partner Program: Jay Garner on Building Powerful EDO–Consultant Connections
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Episode Overview In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis Fraise sits down with one of the most respected voices in economic development— of and a long-standing S member. Jay brings decades of experience in corporate location advisory work and economic strategy, offering listeners a deep dive into today’s site selection environment and the most pressing trends shaping business investment. A centerpiece of the conversation is the , an innovative initiative designed to strengthen connections between site selection consultants and economic development organizations. As...
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DT #599 How Research FDI is Transforming Investment Attraction for EDOs
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Founder and CEO of , to explore how technology, AI, and global trends are reshaping the future of investment attraction. Bruce shares his personal journey and lessons learned from years of helping communities and economic development organizations (EDOs) compete in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. From AI-powered tools like FDI 365 to training programs that strengthen EDO outreach, Bruce highlights the strategies that separate high-performing organizations from the rest. Listeners will gain insights into: Why a clear...
info_outlineBarry Matherly joins Dennis, and they discuss the skills needed to be a great leader and how to become involved and give back to the economic development profession.
Barry has worn a lot of hats in his economic development career. His current role is as the President and CEO of Hickey Global. Prior to joining Hickey Global, Barry was the President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership.
- You have led large organizations in very different communities. How were those positions and communities different?
- How were you able to adapt your skills to lead large teams and provide economic development leadership for the community?
- Along the way, you were also the Chair of IEDC and the Dean of OUEDI.
- What made you want to get involved in IEDC? Talk about your journey at IEDC, culminating in becoming the board chair.
- Why was certification important to you?
- What advice do you have for IEDC members who want to get more involved?
- Talk about OUEDI, its impact, and the education it provides.
Barry Matherly has helped communities prosper by creating opportunities for new investment and job growth for over 30 years. As a certified economic development professional and trusted international thought leader, he develops growth strategies to create vibrant, inclusive communities.
Barry leads Hickey Global, a part of the Hickey Family of advisory companies, utilizing its immense capabilities across a global footprint. With offices throughout the world and a diverse team of economic development, site selection, research, and marketing staff, Hickey handles innovative and complex assignments.
Mr. Matherly is a past chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest economic development association in the world, and the dean and an instructor at the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He is also an instructor at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Basic Economic Development course.
Over a long career managing economic development organizations, Barry has leadership experience at the city, county, regional and university levels. He also interned 3 years for the United States Department of Commerce and worked 6 years in management for a Fortune 500 company.
Barry has a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech University. He is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and a recipient of the Robert B. Cassell Leadership Award.
Barry Matherly was named one of the 40 Leaders Under 40 (2002) by the Charlotte Business Journal, recognized as a North Carolina Main Street Champion, designated as a Fellow Member and Honorary Life Member by IEDC and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum. He was also inducted into Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs Alumni Hall of Fame.