Blog

Ondre Seltzer Appointed as Permanent President & CEO of the SCVEDC

Written by Santa Clarita Valley EDC | Oct 10, 2024 4:29:49 PM

Santa Clarita Valley, CA – The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is pleased to announce that Ondre Seltzer, who has been serving as the Interim President & CEO since earlier this year, has been unanimously selected by the Board of Directors hiring committee to take on the role permanently. The decision comes after a thorough and competitive search process, underscoring the board’s confidence in Seltzer’s vision and leadership capabilities.

 

“Ondre has been a key driver in our economic development efforts, and his leadership during the interim period has been exceptional,” said SCVEDC Co-Chair John Shaffery, Founding Partner at Poole Shaffery. “His ability to build meaningful partnerships and navigate complex economic challenges makes him the ideal person to lead SCVEDC into the future. He’s consistently proven himself to be a dynamic leader who understands the unique needs of Santa Clarita Valley’s businesses and its community.”

 

With over a decade of expertise in Economic Development, Ondre previously served as the Vice President of International Business Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), and Vice Consul at the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles. Most recently he served as the Economic Development Manager for Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, AZ, attracting domestic and international businesses, facilitating the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) infrastructure, establishing a 63-acre tech center, negotiating over $300 million in new investments, transforming Falcon Field Airport into the second busiest general aviation airport in the United States.

 

Prior to assuming the interim position, Seltzer served as SCVEDC’s Vice President of Workforce & Economic Development, where he was instrumental in overseeing workforce initiatives and fostering partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. His leadership has significantly contributed to the growth and resilience of the region’s economy and the SCVEDC organization.

 

Calvin Hedman, Managing Partner at Hedman Partners, LLP and Co-Chair of SCVEDC, added, "Ondre has a deep understanding of business development and economic trends. His commitment to growing our vibrant and diverse economy will be instrumental in driving SCVEDC’s mission forward. We feel he is the perfect choice to lead our organization, and we are eager to see the progress he will inspire."

 

The SCVEDC Board of Directors expressed their full support for Seltzer’s leadership and praised his strong track record of success. “I am deeply honored and excited to take on the role of President & CEO of this incredible organization,” said Seltzer. “Santa Clarita is a thriving region with immense potential, and I look forward to continuing our work in building a resilient, sustainable economy that supports both businesses and residents.”

 

His appointment marks a new chapter for the SCVEDC as the organization continues its mission to promote economic growth, create quality jobs, and enhance the quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley. Under Seltzer’s leadership, the SCVEDC will continue to prioritize initiatives that support business attraction, retention, and expansion, while ensuring the local workforce is prepared to meet the demands of the evolving economy.

 

###

 

Click below to download a copy of the Press Release

 

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation is a unique private / public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources. 661.288.4400 | scvedc@scvedc.org