PDC Reorganizes Board to Advance Economic Growth
Published on April 30, 2026
The Powell Development Corporation (PDC) has reorganized its Board of Directors and adopted a new code of regulations aimed at strengthening economic development efforts across the City.
Approved in February, the updated code transitions the organization to a committee-driven structure designed to bring more specialized focus to key areas of economic growth.
Under the new structure, board members serve in designated leadership roles aligned with the organization’s priorities, including business retention and expansion, downtown vibrancy, entrepreneurship, tourism and strategic real estate.
Most board members were appointed during the March 24 meeting. The final appointment, the real estate committee chair, was confirmed April 28, completing the transition. During that meeting, the board also elected its 2026 officers and appointed its first executive director, Sean Hughes, who also serves as the City’s economic development administrator.
Officials said the dual role is intended to strengthen coordination between City initiatives and the corporation’s work.
“This reorganization represents a pivotal moment for Powell,” said Chairperson Steve Flaherty. “By bringing together leaders from education, finance and the regional entrepreneurial community, we are building a more connected system that supports business growth at every stage.”
City Manager Andy White said the changes align with the City’s broader economic strategy.
“The City’s economic development strategy, established through a comprehensive plan and adopted by council in 2023, emphasizes a coordinated and forward-looking approach,” said White. “This reorganization positions the corporation to better implement those priorities and respond to the community’s evolving economic needs.”
The organization was established May 5, 2010, by Powell City Council as the Powell Community Improvement Corporation. City officials said the updated structure builds on that foundation while expanding the organization’s capacity through more specialized leadership.
Board of Directors and Committee Chairs:
- Chairperson / entrepreneurship committee chair: Steve Flaherty, director of the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University and founder and CEO of necoTECH
- Vice chairperson / business retention and expansion chair: Mark Goodwin, member of the Powell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and owner of Goodwin Insurance
- Treasurer / real estate committee chair: Shawn Keller, president, CEO and co-founder of Buckeye State Bank
- Secretary: Andy White, city manager
- Mayor: Heather Karr
- Olentangy Local School District (OLSD) representative: Ryan Jenkins, district treasurer
- Development representative: Philip Whitaker
- Downtown Powell committee chair: Meg Canavan, Visit Powell board director and consulting director at ERM
- Convention and visitors committee chair: Tim Wilson, executive director of Destination Delaware
- Executive director: Sean Hughes, economic development administrator for the city of Powell