Gary Troutman, a Certified Career Executive and International Economic Developer from Arkansas, has been elected as state director on the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Board of Directors. His two-year term will commence on January 1, 2026. n nEstablished in 1946, the SEDC stands as North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association. With approximately 1,800 members across the southern United States, the organization has nearly doubled its membership in recent years. Collectively, its network has contributed to nearly $600 billion in capital investment and helped create over 600,000 jobs in the past three years. n nIn his new leadership role, Troutman will help shape the strategic direction of SEDC’s programs and support a growing community of economic development professionals focused on enhancing regional prosperity. n nMatt Tackett, president of SEDC, praised the appointment, stating that SEDC members consistently set benchmarks in global economic development by fostering major brands, advancing emerging technologies, and cultivating high-quality business environments. “Gary Troutman’s election underscores the strength and sophistication of our network, which has helped position the American South as one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions,” Tackett said. “We commend Gary and our other state directors for their unwavering dedication to economic growth, commerce, and community well-being.” n nThe American South now ranks as the third-largest economy globally and continues to attract significant international investment. The SEDC plays a pivotal role in connecting leaders, resources, and opportunities to sustain this momentum. n
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Troutman Joins Southern Economic Development Council Board
Gary Troutman, CCE, IOM of Arkansas, has been elected state director on the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Board of Directors. He will begin his two-year term on Jan. 1, 2026. n nThe SEDC, founded in 1946, is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America. With roughly 1,800 members across the South, the organization nearly doubled in size in recent years. Its members have helped generate nearly $600 billion in capital investment and created more than 600,000 new jobs over the past three years. n nAs state director, Troutman will be part of the team guiding SEDC’s programs and supporting a growing network of economic developers working to boost prosperity across the region. n n“SEDC members set the global economic development standard as they nurture iconic brands, support emerging technologies that redefine markets, and develop world-class business environments and opportunities in our communities,” said Matt Tackett, president of SEDC. “The election of Gary Troutman reflects the sophisticated network that has built one of the world’s largest and best-positioned economies. We congratulate Gary and our State Directors, and we thank them for their tireless commitment to people, commerce, and continued American South prosperity.” n nThe SEDC represents economic development leaders from across the South, a region that has become the third-largest economy in the world and a premier global investment hub. n nFor more information, visit sedc.org.