Virginia Economic Development Partnership names interim president and CEO

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership has named its chief operating officer, Dan Gundersen, interim president and CEO, effective immediately. He replaces Martin Briley, who has led the organization for four and a half years.

A reason for Briley’s departure was not given. In a statement VEDP Board of Directors Chair Chris A. Lumsden thanked Briley for his leadership. Lumsden noted that under Briley’s direction VEDP closed more than 760 projects and announced plans to create more than 64,000 jobs and more than $15 billion in capital investment.

“We recognize his efforts in bringing valuable jobs and investment to the citizens in every region of Virginia,” Lumsden says. “The Board remains committed to working with Virginia’s economic development partners to fulfill VEDP’s mission.”

Prior to joining VEDP in 2014, Gundersen served as a senior adviser with Econsult Solutions, a national economics research and policy consulting firm.

Gundersen’s economic development background includes working in senior roles for four governors in three states.

He was executive director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development, commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development, Maryland’s assistant secretary for business development, and executive deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Gundersen received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hope College and a master’s degree in governmental administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is a marketing organization that promotes economic expansion within the state. It was created in 1995 by the Virginia General Assembly.