Michael Catsi, CEcD, DFCP

Experience

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  Skagway Development Corporation

  Apr 2003 - May 2007

  Executive Director

  Led the community's economic development efforts by creating an effective program to assist and support local entrepreneurs with technical assistance and financing. This initiative was accomplished by marketing and promoting the community; developing strategies for future growth and diversification of the economy; and developing the infrastructure needed to facilitate future growth.• Developed the Corporation’s short-term and long-term program goals, priorities, and objectives, including small business training and education, port and community marketing materials, diversification efforts, community inventory, and community development.• Administered the organization in all of the daily duties including reporting to the City of Skagway as the funding authority, created the annual budget and presented to the board for their approval, assisted with the annual audit, developed programming, and managing outreach efforts with stakeholders.• Coordinated with City management to update CEDS, identifying economic data and trends, and reporting on key issues and projects.• Created the “Made in Skagway” program which promoted the community’s artists to the one million cruise ship and independent annual visitors to the city.• Managed the Corporation’s revolving loan fund including assisting with the underwriting of loans; and was awarded $900,000 in grants. Show less

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  Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC)

  May 2007 - Feb 2010

  Executive Director

  • Led the region’s economic development program including tourism marketing, small business education, rural energy project development, seafood development, and transportation advocacy. • Created the annual budget and presented to the board for their approval. Transformed the budget from a loss to a profit in just two budget cycles.• Secured around $950,000 in grants including monies for rural, small business training and a statewide strategic plan.• Compiled the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region. • Led the advocacy efforts for the organization in collaboration with the region’s stakeholders. Lobbying efforts were at the state and federal levels, and required submitting written testimony, presenting oral testimony in legislative committees, directly speaking with the Governor, legislators, and the Congressional Delegation, and interacting with a number of state and federal agencies.Planned and executed the Annual Economic Summit and Annual Meetings which draw around 150 participants.SWAMC is regional economic development organization whose mission is to advance the collective interests of Southwest Alaska businesses, people, and communities, and to help promote economic opportunities to improve the quality of life and influence long term, responsible development. The SWAMC region includes Kodiak Island, Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Islands, Bristol Bay, and the Pribilof Islands, with 54 communities, 56 federally recognized tribes, 3 regional Native Corporations, and a population of 29,000 people. Show less

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  AIDEA (Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority)

  Feb 2010 - Apr 2019

  Business Development and Communications Director

  • Develop, implement and manage AIDEA’s outreach program to businesses, federal and state agencies, economic development organizations, financial institutions and Alaska Native Corporations.• Provide support and liaison services for AIDEA with businesses and outside organizations. Coordinate the diverse interests in projects and planning efforts by regularly interacting with other AIDEA staff, community entities, federal and state agencies and the public.• Lead the development of strategic planning and economic development plans and manage the professional and technical consultants working on those plans. In addition, provide support to promote business development in Alaska through the Authority’s programs.• Oversee the external communications of the Authority through supervision of the External Affairs Manager. Ensure timely and accurate responses to information requests from the media, Governor’s Office, State departments and agencies, and legislators. Ensure that press releases are regularly published and promote the Authority’s programs and metrics.• Serve as the Authority’s “Single-Point-of-Contact” for businesses and stakeholders. Chair the Project Suitability Committee which provides the first round of financial and economic analysis of projects requesting financing, and serve as a member on several investment committees reviewing project progress.• Assist in the review and development of statutes and regulations for ongoing and new programs. Coordinate with the Executive Director on presenting new legislation and regulations to legislators and other interested parties.• Prepare articles, brochures, reports, and other forms of written and verbal communication, and attend conferences and business meetings to present the Authority’s role in economic development and job creation. A public corporation of the State of Alaska, AIDEA advances economic growth and diversification by providing access to long-term asset financing and investment. www.aidea.org Show less

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  Tacoma Public Utilities

  Apr 2019 - Sept 2024

  Economic Development Manager
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  Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County

  Sept 2024 - now

  President and CEO