Matt Tackett named president of Southern Economic Development Council

This month, the Southern Economic Development Center (SEDC), North America's oldest and largest professional association for economic development, named Morehead State University alumnus Matt Tackett (Class of 2005, 2007) its president. He will be replacing retiring president Gene Stinson and implementing the organization's mission to provide information, guidance and leadership to the American South's economic development practitioners.   

Tackett is from Prestonsburg. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government in 2005 and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in 2007. Before becoming president of SEDC, Tackett served as president and CEO of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, an economic development membership organization with multiple businesses representing 965 members statewide. Before that, he was executive director of the Kentucky Gas Association and served in federal grant programs and the Office of the Governor of Kentucky. He is currently the owner of a consulting firm focused on economic advocacy and governmental affairs.   

"This is an exciting time at SEDC. More importantly, this is an exciting time in the American South," Tackett said in an announcement video on his personal Facebook page. "I am incredibly honored that you have welcomed my family and I to this organization."  

Founded in 1946, the SEDC spans 17 states and includes over 1,000 members. The nonprofit membership organization advances the economic development profession through conferences and meetings, networking, educational opportunities, research and publications.   

To learn more about programs in MSU's Department of History, Philosophy, Politics, Global Studies and Legal Studies, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/hpgl, email hpgl@moreheadstate.edu, or call 606-783-2655.