WEDA Hires Melissa Hunt as Next President and CEO
WEDA has hired our next President and CEO. If you do not already know her, we are certain that her name
is very familiar to you, as she currently serves as WEDA’s Immediate Pat Board Chair. That’s right… WEDA has hired Melissa Hunt as the association’s next President and CEO. Melissa will begin her new post at the end of this month. An official announcement for those outside the WEDA community is forthcoming, but in the meantime, please read the following MESSAGE FROM MELISSA:
Dear WEDA Members,
I’m beyond excited to be stepping into the role of President & CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Association. As a proud WEDA member for the past 20 years, this is both a professional milestone and a personal celebration. It feels very full circle. WEDA has been where I’ve built lifelong friendships, found trusted colleagues, and shared in the collective passion we all have for strengthening Wisconsin’s economic development ecosystem.
Over the last two decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an economic developer in both the public and private sectors, and at the local, county, and state levels. I’ve seen firsthand how the work we do changes lives and transforms places. I’ve always known how essential WEDA is in that journey. WEDA connects us, amplifies our voices, and advocates powerfully on our behalf at the Capitol. Our role as the voice for economic development in Wisconsin is something I take seriously and am honored to help lead into the future.
As we celebrate WEDA’s 50th anniversary this year, it’s an especially exciting moment to reflect on our rich history and look ahead to what’s next. I’m deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to help carry forward WEDA’s strong traditions while helping shape the next chapter.
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kathryn Berger for her exceptional service as Interim President & CEO. She stepped in with grace, professionalism, and unwavering dedication during a time of transition. Thanks to her leadership, WEDA is on strong footing and ready for what’s ahead.
Looking forward, I’m energized by the opportunity to listen to our members and to work alongside you to develop a bold, future-forward strategic plan—one that reflects our shared values, tackles the challenges we’re facing, and positions WEDA to forge a lasting impact in the years to come. This plan will focus on key pillars that matter most to our members: Membership Growth and Engagement, Networking and Education, Financial Sustainability, and Advocacy and Influence.
Our strength will continue to come from collaboration, creativity, and staying grounded in what matters most: the people doing the work every day to grow and sustain our communities and businesses. Thank you for all you do, and thank you for your continued support of WEDA. I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to connecting with many of you in the weeks and months ahead.
With gratitude and enthusiasm~melissa
