Staff

Wayne Schell
Message from the President
President and Chief Executive Officer
wschell@caled.org  ext. 11

Wayne has practiced economic development in California for over 3 decades. It only takes a couple of minutes in conversation with Wayne to see he has a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as an enthusiastic drive to help economic developers be successful in their pursuit of creating prosperous, sustainable communities. It is no wonder that he has lead the CALED team for over 15 years and is one of the founders of the association.

Gurbax Sahota
Chief Operating Officer for CALED & Executive Director for the CA Academy For Economic Dev.
gsahota@caled.org  ext. 15

Gurbax learned first hand the value of economic development when she interned at CALED many years ago. The experience of working with the economic development community compelled her to come back to CALED some years later and help promote awareness of what economic development is and why it is important. She is devoted to helping others reach their goals through effective communications and outreach programs. Her primary aim is to help CALED members by making sure our programs and services meet their needs.

Mona Dmitrenko
Executive Director
California Enterprise Development Authority
monad@caled.org ext. 16

Mona Dmitrenko is the Executive Director for the California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA) whose goal is to issue Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) for small to medium sized California manufacturers. IDBs are a powerful incentive for business expansion and location and Mona is well versed in business and project finance. She is committed to helping bring financing options and information to businesses and economic developers to help manufacturers, non-profits, and California communities looking for financing resources. As Executive Director of CEDA, she will be advancing our goal to issue Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) for small to medium sized California manufacturers. IDBs are a powerful incentive for business expansion and location.  

Rachael Alexander
Office Manager
ralexander@caled.org  ext. 10

Rachael's promotion, to the position of Office Manager, is a reflection of her dedication and loyalty to CALED. In her new role Rachael will continue to support special projects, events, Board of Directors meetings, and job advertisements; she will continue to be the Executive Assistant to the CEO and COO and will add managing the operations of the front office.

My Kristy Nong
Manager of Administration and Member Activities
mknong@caled.org  ext. 13

Kristy Nong, Manager of Administration and Member Activities is responsible for general administration including bookkeeping, membership renewals and retention, and quarterly financial reporting for CALED and the California Academy for Economic Development. Kristy is the Course Director for the Keys to Successful Economic Development training and also heads the Award of Excellence Program for CALED.

Michelle Stephens
Economic Development Research Specialist
michelle@caled.org ext. 12

Michelle is working as an Economic Development Research Specialist with CALED, focusing on two grants; a USDA grant, which analyzes sustainable economic development organization structures, and an EDA grant focused on Revolving Loan Funds in California. 

Contract Support

Bill Davis
Technical Assistance & Professional Advisory Service bdavis@wrdaviscollab.com (916) 806-6407

Carolyn Usinger
California Tools for Business Success Program cusinger@toolsforbusiness.info (866) 429-1527