Edgerton, Kansas — The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association representing 17 states, has elected James Oltman of ElevateEdgerton! to serve as West Region Director on the SEDC Board of Directors for 2027.
Oltman was elected by his fellow SEDC members to represent the Council’s West Region as part of the organization’s 2027 Executive Committee. He will begin his term on January 1, 2027, joining regional directors representing SEDC’s three geographic sectors.
Oltman brings more than 14 years of economic development experience to the leadership role and has been an active member of SEDC since 2016. He has served on the SEDC Board of Directors since 2020 representing the State of Kansas.
“I am honored to have been elected by my fellow SEDC members to serve as West Region Director,” said Oltman. “SEDC has played an important role in my professional development and has given me the opportunity to build relationships with some of the most talented economic development professionals across the country. I look forward to giving back to an organization that has given so much to me and helping strengthen the voice and impact of our members throughout the West Region.”
Oltman currently serves as President of ElevateEdgerton!, the economic development organization serving Edgerton, Kansas. During his career, he has worked on major business attraction, community development and infrastructure initiatives as well as the continued development of Logistics Park Kansas City and the growth of the Edgerton residential community.
In his role as West Region Director, Oltman will work with SEDC leadership and members throughout the region to support the Council’s mission, strengthen engagement among its membership and advance the interests of economic development professionals across SEDC’s western states.
“SEDC is fortunate to have leaders like James Oltman who are willing to invest their time and expertise in advancing the profession,” said SEDC President Matt Tackett. “His experience in economic development and his longstanding commitment to SEDC will be valuable assets as he serves on the Executive Committee.”
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About SEDC
SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, with over 1,800 members representing a variety of sectors. From local, regional, and state economic development agencies to chambers of commerce, business and industry, utilities, transportation, finance, and education, members share a common goal: to accelerate economic development in the American South. To learn more about SEDC, visit www.sedc.org.
