WEDA Professional Award Winners Recognized at Governor’s Conference

One of the highlights of the recent WEDA Governor’s Conference on Economic Development was the presentation of our Professional Awards, which recognize exceptional contributions to the economic vitality of Wisconsin, in the following two categories:

  • Andy Lisak Young Professional Award
  • Organizational Excellence Award

Please find below an overview of the 2026 award winners:

Andy Lisak Young Professional Award

WEDA was thrilled to honor Carson Coffield, City of West Allis Economic Development Specialist, as the 2026 Andy Lisak Young Professional Award winner. The award, established in 1985 and given every other year, acknowledges members who have made key contributions in the field of economic development early in their career.

“Carson embodies the collaborative spirit, leadership growth, and community impact that Andy Lisak believed in and championed,” said Melissa Hunt, WEDA President & CEO. “He represents the next generation of economic development leadership, and WEDA is proud to recognize his dedication to West Allis, our profession, and his leadership within the WEDA Young Professionals Engagement Network.”

As an Economic Development Specialist for West Allis, Carson has proven to be a dynamic economic development professional on the local level, driving business growth, investment, and community revitalization. Prior to his work in West Allis, he worked for the City of Eau Claire, supporting the city’s parks, transit, and public works operations. Coffield is also extremely involved in WEDA, playing a key role in Association’s young professional outreach and advocacy efforts.

“I’ve been in the economic development space for nearly seven years and part of WEDA for almost four. During that time, I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work alongside many experienced economic developers throughout Wisconsin who have made such an impact on my career,” said Coffield. “I’m grateful to my colleagues and peers who nominated me for this award, and I’m humbled by their recognition.”

Organizational Excellence Award

We were also excited to present our biennial Organizational Excellence Award to Thrive Economic Development. The award is given to recognize member organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to economic development and have made major contributions to advancing our economy.

“Thrive is setting the standard for modern economic development and exemplifies the type of innovation and partnership that strengthens Wisconsin’s economy and communities. WEDA is proud to recognize their outstanding contributions,” said WEDA President & CEO Melissa Hunt. “Their forward-thinking leadership and ability to bring partners together to deliver transformational, game-changing investments truly reflect organizational excellence in Wisconsin.”

Thrive Economic Development, a public-private organization committed to promoting the economic competitiveness of Greater Jefferson County, has demonstrated a consistently successful approach to economic development by aligning public and private partners, advancing site readiness, and helping deliver some of the most significant investment projects in Wisconsin’s history. Their work goes beyond traditional program administration to drive long-term regional competitiveness and community prosperity.

“This recognition belongs to the partners who show up every day to help move Jefferson County forward,” said Thrive Economic Development President Deb Reinbold. “Our board, investors and community stakeholders make it possible to take on complex challenges, from business growth to housing and workforce development, and deliver results that strengthen the entire region.”