Brien M. Starner, CEcD
President

Brien M. Starner's economic development spans 20 years of work in the economic development profession. His work experience in organizational settings has included local government, corporate and public/private organizations that have spanned regional rural, metropolitan, countywide, state-based utility, and city environments.

Brien's educational and professional experience is supported with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science from William Jewell College, a Certified Economic Developer designation earned through the International Economic Development Council, and completion of the professional Chamber of Commerce coursework through the Institute for Organization Management operated by the US Chamber of Commerce.

Brien's current position is President of the Blue Springs Economic Development Corporation, a public and private member investor organization that also contracts with the City of Blue Springs to perform economic development services. Past positions held include: Director Economic Development, Overland Park Economic Development Council, Overland Park, Kansas; Director Economic Development and Corporate Real Estate Services, Aquila, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri and Monroe, Michigan; Executive Director, Leavenworth Area Development, Leavenworth, Kansas; Development Director, Kansas City Area Development Council, Kansas City, Missouri; and Community Planner II, Green Hills Regional Planning Commission, Trenton, Missouri.

Sherdia Lopez
Business Outreach Manager

Sher Lopez has been promoted to the newly created position of Business Outreach Manager. Her new duties involve a major priority for the EDC in managing and leading local business outreach programs to generate business expansion and retention, and support the long-term growth of local employers.

Prior to January 2007, Sher was a tenured city employee in the economic development department. Her experience and background make this transition seamless.

Sher's professional experience include Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) Project Coordinator certification, BREI State of Missouri Chair, published in the 2007 Metropolitan Who's Who and liaison to the following organizations: City of Blue Springs, KCADC, Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, KC Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Jackson County Development Alliance, Business Retention Council, State of Missouri International Department, Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Ann Judd, CB
Business Operations Manager

Ann Judd is responsible for the management and coordination of the operations and administrative functions of the office, including Board and investing partner relations, financial management, communications, marketing, and event planning. Ann works directly with various elected officials, government agencies, private businesses, chambers of commerce, community groups, professional organizations and the public.

Ann is a Certified Bookkeeper (CB), is working toward an IOM designation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute of Organization Management, and has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.