David W. Couch, CEcD, Appointed Strategy Coordinator

David W. Couch, CEcD, Appointed Strategy Coordinator

June 19, 2012

David W. Couch, CEcD, has been promoted to strategy coordinator with the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. Couch joined the department in 2001 as a business development manager working with businesses seeking to locate or expand within the City.

In the new position, Couch will oversee the department’s budget, personnel and administrative functions. In addition, he will continue to assist with business development and implementation of the short- and long-term goals of the department to ensure business growth, capital investment and new jobs.

“David brings a unique set of skills to this newly created position that will allow the department to meet its objectives to grow the economy and create job opportunities,” stated Warren D. Harris, Economic Development Director. “Having worked for the City of Virginia Beach for over 10 years, David will be able to step into this new role and immediately hit the ground running.”

Before joining the City of Virginia Beach, Couch worked with the City of Chesapeake as an accountant and as a budget analyst. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a master of business administration with a concentration in public administration from Old Dominion University. Additionally, Couch received the certified economic developer designation, CEcD, from the International Economic Development Council.

The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international business and industry that results in the creation of new capital investment and jobs that increase the per capita income in the community. The City of Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a population of 434,000 and is the 39th largest city in the United States. The City of Virginia Beach is recognized as the best run cities in America, by 24/7 Wall Street in 2012, and in 2011, Virginia Beach ranked number one for economic growth potential by Business Facilities. In 2012, the Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council, one of only 29 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. In 2011, the Department won an Award of Excellence for its marketing efforts from the International Economic Development Council. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.