Michael Stevens Announces Departure as President and CEO of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership

Washington, DC- December 16, 2005– After five and a half years as president and CEO of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership, Michael Stevens announces his decision to leave the organization.

Stevens says, “I feel that I am leaving the Partnership as a recognized and respected player in economic development and poised for even more accomplishments. It was a difficult decision to leave after investing so much time in the Partnership, but I really miss working on economic development projects and want to pursue that passion in the District. I am grateful to the dedicated board that gave me the opportunity to build this organization, and I am proud of what the Partnership team has accomplished over the past five and a half years.” He will remain in his position until January 27, 2006.

Under his guidance the organization has become a leader in retail and business attraction for the District; has published highly successful and informative publications on development, retail, and neighborhood profiles that market business opportunities; is at the forefront of information research for development in DC; has conducted over 1,900 business outreach visits for business retention; and developed events that inform and educate the business community such as the Business Initiatives Breakfast series and the Partnership’s Annual Meeting Luncheon and Development Showcase. During his tenure, Stevens moved the organization to new modern office space that is a showroom for the District’s robust economic development and renamed the organization to better reflect its mission in facilitating economic development in DC.

Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Stanley Jackson comments, “Michael Stevens will be greatly missed, as he was instrumental in moving the District from worst to first as a city to do business, live, work, and entertain. I wish him all the best.” Stevens was the driving force behind the fundraising efforts for the Washington, DC Economic Partnership. He successfully achieved 501(c)(3) status, making it an independent organization and has been a tireless fundraiser. In addition to funding from the District
Government, Stevens has helped raise more than $500,000 in private sponsorship from District-based businesses.

Over the past five and a half years, Stevens has championed development in DC and has leveraged the Partnership as a leader in economic and business development. Ed Rogers, co-chair of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership’s Board of Directors says, “Michael Stevens has skillfully stewarded our organization through five years of unprecedented growth and accomplishments. The District of Columbia has benefited tremendously from his steadfast leadership and we will be forever grateful to Michael for his many contributions. The Board of Directors wishes Michael every success in his future endeavors and we look forward to working closely with Michael’s successor in advancing the mission of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership.”
 
 
 
 
###
It is the mission of the Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership, a 501(c)(3) organization to promote business opportunities throughout the District of Columbia and to contribute to business retention and attraction activities.