Cecilia Harry named Chief Economic Development Officer of Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC

Cecilia Harry, CEcD

Cecilia Harry has been named the new Chief Economic Development Officer of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, the largest economic development, chamber of commerce, and business advocacy organization in southern Colorado. Harry will begin the role in mid-December.

As Chief Economic Development Officer, Harry will lead the organization’s economic development mission to attract, expand, and retain top business in Colorado Springs. She and her team will develop and implement strategies that will support local businesses to improve the local economy, recruit employers, and execute workforce initiatives.

“Cecilia’s background in leading economic development programs and producing results in attracting jobs and capital investment are critical to moving Colorado Springs forward,” said Dirk Draper, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “Her experience in cultivating relationships in a membership environment bodes well with our values and mission to our stakeholders. We are thrilled to have her on board.”

Prior to joining the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Harry was the first president & CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Inc. (Wisconsin), an organization formed in 2017 that combines the efforts of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation and the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce. The metro area is approximately an hour northeast of Milwaukee. Harry’s economic development experience spans the Greater Omaha, Nebraska region, Kansas City, Kan., and St. Louis.

“I am very excited to join the dynamic team led by Dirk and the engaged business community,” said Harry. “The region of Colorado Springs has so much to offer existing and new businesses and current and future talent. The Chamber & EDC, in partnership with its business community, has outlined a clear directive to catalyze economic growth, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders and partners to make it happen.”

Harry earned her certified economic developer designation in 2015. She currently serves on the board of directors of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Social Work degree in Social and Economic Development at Washington University in St. Louis.

Harry and her husband enjoy spending time with their two young children.