EL CAJON–The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) Board of Directors has named Jo Marie Diamond its new President and Chief Executive Officer making her the permanent replacement to Deanna Weeks who retired in August 2010 after 25 years leading the ECEDC. Diamond, who has served as Vice President since 2001, acted as interim President and CEO since August 2010.
The award-winning ECEDC, founded in 1984, was the first regional economic development council to be established in San Diego County. The organization is an alliance of key representatives from business, government, and education who are committed to providing a healthy, vital economic climate for businesses and quality of life for residents in East County region including the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and in the unincorporated communities of Alpine, Lakeside and Spring Valley. The ECEDC also is known for the Connectory®, a nationally recognized buyer-supplier network tool that helps businesses connect with suppliers and buyers to garner contracts and create unique partnerships.
Prior to joining ECEDC, Diamond was President of Business Change Catalysts, a marketing and technology-consulting firm and was a Program Manager and Senior Analyst at B-K Dynamics, Inc., a technical services company located in San Diego and Rockville, Maryland.
Diamond received a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry with high honors from the Catholic University of America, where she also completed graduate courses in Database Development and Technology Assessment. Diamond also holds certificates in Technology Assessment/Forecasting, Strategic Alliances, Computer Security, and Marketing Analysis.
Diamond and her husband, Ronald H. Schneider, a retired Human Interface Psychologist and former executive in multiple defense contracting firms, have been married for 18 years and enjoy exercise, music, and sports.
