Page 33 - 2024-08-26 Annual Award 2024

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Timothy E. Kelley, President & CEO, Imperial Valley Economic Development Cor-
poration Timothy E. Kelley is the president and chief executive officer of the Imperial
Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC). He joined IVEDC in April of
2005. In his current position, he is responsible for the expansion of the region’s strategic
economic development plan, as well as engaging
initiatives that strengthen the regional economic vitality.
Tim’s vision for the Imperial Valley comes from a comprehensive understanding of
the Southwest border region and its effect on local, state and global economies. His
international experience comes from extensive travels and interactions with business
and civic leaders in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. He has
also been successful in bringing foreign direct investment opportunities throughout the
state of California.
Tim is the immediate past chair of the Board of Directors and currently VP of inter-
national trade and investment of TeamCalifornia, a statewide organization that pro-
motes international trade and investment for California, a member of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Commerce San Diego-Imperial District Export Council; and a member of the
Board of Directors of CleanTECH San Diego, as well as the San
Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.
Tim was instrumental in the establishment of the Cali-Baja Bi-National Mega-Region,
an economic development initiative developed to showcase the abundance of assets and
business opportunities in Imperial Valley, San Diego and Baja California, Mexico.
In addition, Tim serves on several other boards and commissions related to economic
development, workforce and education and serves as member for the Imperial County
Workforce Development Board, as well as chairman for their Business and Marketing
Committee.
Tim is also active in many civic and community based organizations in Imperial Val-
ley. He is a founding member of the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation; past presi-
dent and current board member of the Imperial Valley Community Foundation; past
president and current member of the Brawley Rotary Club; past chief executive and cur-
rent member of the Brawley Elks Lodge #1420; serves as treasure of the Brawley Com-
munity Foundation; all organizations that promote sustainable economic prosperity of
the region. Tim is also responsible for the Imperial Regional Alliance, Inc., which hosts
the Small Business Development Center, Imperial Valley Business Resource Center, Ru-
ral Microentrepreneur Assistance Program and the USDA 502 Direct Loan programs.
In addition, Tim served as the chairman for the Brawley Airport Commission.
Tim received a Bachelor’s in Communications Arts and Sciences from the Annenberg
School of Communications at the University of Southern California. He has also stud-
ied abroad in Morelia, Mexico. Tim also holds many certificates and received recogni-
tion for his work in all aspects. Tim resides in Brawley, California with his wife Marisa
Kelley.

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