Scotland’s leading organisation for economic development professionals has appointed three new directors to its board.
Community enterprise expert Martin Avila, Highlands and Islands Enterprise executive Elaine Jamieson and economic development consultant Alice Masson join as the organisation works to extend its network across the country.
EDAS is the country’s foremost membership association for organisations and people with an interest in economic development, widely recognised by policymakers and politicians as the sector’s go-to body.
Chair Neil McInroy said: “In the face of the climate crisis and ambitions for a wellbeing economy, the role of Economic development in Scotland has never been more important.
“It is crucial that we have the people who share our ambition to create an economy that works for all Scots, all places and the planet. Alice, Elaine and Martin will do exactly that and I am delighted to welcome them to the board.
“EDAS and our members are at the forefront of driving community wealth building and just development through their work with enterprise, business and communities. Our board works incredibly hard to share the very best of what economic development does and are restless in ensuring that the discipline learns and grows.”
EDAS seeks to ensure that economic development is at the forefront of national policy debate, giving professionals in the sector the opportunity to inform and inspire through training and networking events.
Martin, who is CEO of Community Enterprise In Scotland (CEIS) Group, said: “I am delighted to join EDAS at such an exciting time for the organisation and for Scotland.
“Economic development is fundamental to Scotland’s aspirations to build a wellbeing economy. By focusing our economy on community wealth building, we can build a fairer, greener, healthier, more sustainable country. To join the EDAS board at this moment, when it is about to set a new strategy, is a privilege.”
Elaine, who is Head of Food and Drink and Life Sciences at Highlands and Islands Enterprise is also looking forward to the work ahead.
She said: “I am delighted to be appointed as an EDAS board member and to be part of an economic development community that recognises we need to work together and, with ambition, to shape and progress a wellbeing economy for all of Scotland.
“I look forward to working with the EDAS board and members to deepen our understanding and evolve our national response to today’s challenges and opportunities, to ensure we have a strong economy with social prosperity built upon sustainable sectors and businesses.”
Alice is a senior consultant with glic, which works with public, private and third sector organisations on business, community and economic development projects.
She said: “I am honoured to be joining the EDAS board and having the opportunity to work and collaborate with fellow members.
“I am eager to bring my experiences working at a community level along with my passion for youth involvement to promoting and developing economic development in Scotland.”
