ACOG Announces News Leadership

Economic
Development
District

robin-and-richard

Clements, Krieger Lead

 

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee for the Central Oklahoma Economic Development District (EDD) has elected Richard Clements to serve as chair. Robin Roberts Krieger will serve as vice-chair. Both Clements and Krieger will serve one-year terms.

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) manages the CEDS and EDD on behalf of the region and in partnership with U.S. Economic Development Administration.

 

Richard Clements

Clements serves as Manager of Economic Development at OG&E Electric Services. Prior to joining the utility in 1994, he served in key economic development roles at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Clements has worked with numerous companies and communities across the state during his career. He has also served in a variety of roles with community and state-wide organizations such as Leadership Oklahoma City, the Central Oklahoma Regional Leadership Institute, the Oklahoma Film Commission, the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and the Regents for Higher Education Technical and Occupational Council.

He currently serves as President of the Leadership Oklahoma City Alumni Association and is the Chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership, a 10-county regional economic development partnership in Central Oklahoma. He is a past President of the Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council, and is the former Chairman of both the Governor’s Economic Development Team and the Governor’s International Team.

Robin Krieger

Krieger serves as Vice President of Business and Industry Training and Economic Development for Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City. She is a member of the executive team and serves as the liaison between OSU-OKC and the business community. This role keeps her focused on the training and education needs of industry and the community. She also oversees several profit centers on the OSU-OKC campus and assists with grant and foundation efforts.

Prior to joining OSU-OKC, Krieger served as Executive Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. During the years she worked for the Chamber she oversaw economic development services contracts with the City of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County. She played a key role in the acquisition of the idled General Motors facility, which was redeveloped by Tinker Air Force Base into a major maintenance, repair and overhaul site for the United States Air Force. Before moving to Oklahoma, Krieger served in major economic development positions in Oregon.

Distinguished Careers

“Richard and Robin both have distinguished careers in economic development,” said John G. Johnson, Executive Director, Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. “Central Oklahoma is very fortunate to have their talents and expertise focused on the comprehensive economic development strategy for the region.”

The EDD is now entering its third year as an economic development district. Designation by U.S. EDA was achieved in 2013, following approval of the CEDS.

“We are grateful for Richard and Robin’s time and commitment,” Johnson said. “We believe the work these individuals are engaged in on a daily basis has a positive impact on the citizens of Central Oklahoma. They also impact the state as a whole because this region is the state’s largest economic center.”

 What does the CEDS do?

According to Johnson, the CEDS contributes to economic development in Central Oklahoma through a locally-based, regionally-driven planning process. The CEDS:

  • Engages community leaders
  • Leverages the involvement of the private sector
  • Establishes a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration
  • Provides a foundation for the government sector to create an environment for regional economic prosperity.
  • Partners with private firms, industries and individuals
  • Integrates and leverages other regional planning efforts

“Central Oklahoma must update its CEDS every five years to qualify for assistance from the U.S. Economic Development Administration,” Johnson explained. “Richard and Robin will be involved in leading this effort among other meaningful projects over the next few years.”

The CEDS meets quarterly at ACOG. The next meeting is scheduled for October. To receive updates, sign up for the ACOG newsletter on our website, acogok.org or email us enews@acogok.org.

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