SEDC to Hold Board and Executive Elections

2026 SEDC Board of Directors Election Information

SEDC Economy Builders,

The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association, is seeking professionals to serve on our 17-state Board of Directors. The SEDC Board governs a Council dedicated to supporting a membership network responsible for over $500 billion in corporate investment and the creation of 600,000+ new jobs in just the last three years. By comparison, SEDC’s service territory ranks as the world’s third-largest equivalent economy.

Board Directors ensure compliance with the Council’s guiding documents, uphold and enhance our financial strength and integrity, and sustain, develop, and evaluate a service portfolio that builds professional capacity and accelerates development across the American South.

Below are details regarding the call for candidates for Board positions and the Secretary/Treasurer executive role.

2026 SEDC Board of Directors Election

SEDC member states elect one State Director and one Alternate Director. State Directors serve terms of 2 years, and Alternate Directors serve 1-year terms. This year, our Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia delegations will hold elections to identify their State Director. All 17 SEDC member states will hold elections to identify their Alternate Directors.

To be considered as a candidate for an open Board seat in the 2026 election, you will need to complete and submit a mandatory Board Interest Form. You can find this form by clicking on the link provided below. Once you have completed the Board Interest Form, save it and email it to matthew@sedc.org before July 1st.

The election for open Board positions will begin on July 2nd via e-vote. If you wish to vote in this year's election, please log in to your profile at www.sedc.org and double-check your billing address. Your billing address directly determines your state caucus.

2026 SEDC Secretary/Treasurer Election

SEDC also seeks a qualified leader to serve on the Council's Executive Committee as Secretary/Treasurer. If you are interested in running for the position of SEDC Secretary/Treasurer, we request that you send your letter of interest by July 18.

The Secretary/Treasurer role is a crucial step in a leadership pathway that leads to the Chair of the Board of Directors opportunity. If you meet the criteria provided below, I encourage you to consider running for this executive role. The Secretary/Treasurer will be elected by the vote of the Board of Directors at the SEDC Annual Conference.

Thank you for your engagement in our growing Council; and more importantly, for your commitment to progress and prosperity in our communities and states. I look forward to working closely with you to move the needle further and faster in the American South. Please contact me at your convenience when I can provide additional information regarding your membership experience or consideration of SEDC leadership.

Matthew Tackett

President | SEDC

Duties of the Board of Directors

Board Duties & Responsibilities

Election Status by State

State Election Status

Board Interest Form

Board Interest Form (PDF)

Secretary/Treasurer Qualifications & Candidate Instruction

To qualify as a candidate for Secretary/Treasurer, the following criteria must be met:

At least five years as an active member of SEDC.
At least two years' of service on the SEDC Board of Directors as a State or Alternate Director within 10 years of nomination.
Attendance at three of the last five SEDC Annual Conferences, including the meeting at which the election is held.
A written commitment from the candidate's employer stating that the candidate will be provided the time and funds to carry out the duties of Secretary/Treasurer and subsequent offices that may be forthcoming.

Letters of intent and letters from the candidate's employer are requested to be sent to SEDC Executive Director of Operations Matthew Darius (matthew@sedc.org) by COB on July 18, 2025.

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