Port Townsend, WA – October 6, 2026
The Economic Development Council of Jefferson County, announced today that Executive Director David Ballif will step down effective January 5, 2027, to accept a new position. Ballif, who joined the EDC in June 2025, will lead the organization through the transition.
Under Ballif’s leadership, the EDC adopted its first comprehensive strategic plan in January 2026. The 2026–2027 Strategic Plan sets five goals, each with specific deliverables and deadlines: convening the county around its economic future, supporting new jobs and investment, serving as a knowledge hub for the local economy, supporting and expanding businesses already here, and building the EDC’s own capacity.
The manufacturers’ convening the EDC co-hosted with the Port of Port Townsend at Point Hudson led to an Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant: $150,000 for Atlas Technologies, supporting $1.6 million in committed new investment and 8 to 10 new manufacturing jobs in Glen Cove.
The EDC has also renewed its focus on the Irondale–Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area, the county’s top location for new growth, jobs and housing. With the County’s $35.6 million sewer system online since fall 2025, Brett Bishop, the EDC’s new Economic Development Associate, is mapping developable land, building site profiles and reaching out to property owners and developers.
With Clallam EDC and a 27-agency coalition that includes five Tribal Nations, the EDC led Jefferson County’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 nominations, backed by 19 letters of support and a project pipeline of more than $500 million. Final designations are expected by the end of the year.
“It has been a privilege to lead EDC Team Jefferson,” said Ballif. “I am grateful to our staff, board and partners for what we built together. The EDC has a clear plan, a strong team and committed partners, and is well positioned to keep creating opportunity and good-paying jobs here. I will work closely with the board and staff over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Through the end of the year, Ballif and the EDC team will launch the EDC’s new website, prepare to connect investors to the county’s Opportunity Zone projects, and continue the work in Port Hadlock. The Board of Directors will announce its plans for new leadership later this year.