DT #603 Mentors, Milestones & Momentum: How Marsellas Williams Built His ED Career
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 12/03/2025
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...
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DT #600 Building Trust in AI: Why Guardrails and Human Oversight Matter
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
💡 Episode Summary In the final installment of the Develop This! AI series, host is joined by and for an in-depth conversation on developing a comprehensive AI strategy framework for organizations of all sizes. Together, they unpack the critical need for guardrails that ensure ethical and effective AI use, the importance of human oversight, and the dangers of shadow AI—when employees use unapproved tools without governance. The discussion highlights data privacy, ethical AI boundaries, and organizational alignment, providing leaders with a practical blueprint for implementing...
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DT #597 The Hidden Costs of Toxic Leadership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
💡 Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , a national thought leader on workforce, education, and generational engagement, for a deep dive into one of the most damaging forces in any organization—toxic leadership. Together, Dennis and Mark unpack the growing disengagement crisis in today’s workforce and explore the concept of the “Toxaboss”—a leader who demands high performance but fails to offer recognition or connection. They discuss how toxic behaviors erode trust, destroy morale, and ripple through entire organizations, especially within...
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DT #598 Iowa’s Innovative Answer to Housing Shortages and Second Chances
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
🏠 Show Notes In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Executive Director of SEIRPC and President of the Homes for Iowa Board of Directors, and , Executive Director of . Together, they share how an innovative Iowa initiative is tackling two of the state’s most pressing challenges—affordable housing and workforce development—while also giving incarcerated individuals a second chance. Built on a powerful public-private partnership with , Homes for Iowa trains men at the Newton, IA Correctional Facility in construction trades while building high-quality, affordable...
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DT #595 Workforce at a Crossroads: Compete, Adapt, and Thrive — with Jay Garner, Site Selectors Guild
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
💡 Episode Summary In this episode of , host sits down with , President of and a founding member of the , to tackle one of the biggest challenges in economic development today—the workforce crisis. Jay and Dennis dig into the realities behind the “silver tsunami” as millions of baby boomers near retirement, explore the widening skills gap, and discuss how quality of place now drives business investment decisions. They also examine how immigration, technology, and regional collaboration are reshaping workforce dynamics—and what communities can do to stay competitive. ...
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DT #596 Navigating IEDC’s 2026 Course Catalog: What’s New and What’s Next
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
🎧 Episode Summary In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Learning & Development Associate with the , to explore the evolving world of professional development in economic development. From IEDC’s new to the rise of virtual training and the importance of certification and continuous learning, Lynn shares a behind-the-scenes look at how IEDC equips professionals with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing field. The conversation covers how courses are designed for immediate, real-world application, the impact of networking and peer...
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DT #593 How GrantGuru Helps Communities Compete for Funding
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of Develop This!, host sits down with , Co-Founder and Director of , the world’s largest aggregator of grants and funding programs. Together, they explore how Grant Guru is transforming the way communities, local governments, and nonprofits access funding opportunities. Adrian shares his unlikely journey from geology to grant funding, the evolution of GrantGuru into a global grants intelligence platform, and how its technology helps simplify and democratize access to more than 163,000 active grants worth over $3.5 trillion. Listeners will learn how economic developers...
info_outlineEpisode Overview
In this inspiring episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis Fraise reconnects with newly certified economic developer Marsellas Williams 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 CEcD certification. 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.
Listeners will hear firsthand how Marsellas has become a catalyst for business retention and expansion in Powder Springs, Georgia, where his work is fueling job creation and community vitality. He shares lessons learned, practical career advice, and the strategies that helped him thrive—both in the field and in life.
Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned practitioner, this episode delivers the guidance, encouragement, and insights you need to continue growing and leading in your community.
Key Takeaways
- Marsellas launched his economic development career in 2018, fueled by curiosity and a desire to serve communities.
- Mentorship has been central to his development and success.
- The road to CEcD certification is challenging—but deeply rewarding.
- Faith and personal values shape Marcellus’s leadership style and decision-making.
- Strong business retention efforts remain one of the most effective paths to community job creation.
- Powder Springs, GA is experiencing dynamic growth driven by strategy and collaboration.
- Networking is essential for building credibility and opening doors in the profession.
- Relationships—not just projects—define long-term success in economic development.
- Preparing for certification requires discipline, planning, and intentional study.
- Looking ahead, Marsellas envisions leading a larger organization or leveraging his talents in the private sector.