Julie Meier Wright has served as president and chief executive officer of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation since 1997. EDC is a premier economic development organization supported by more than 150 of San Diego’s largest companies and most influential business leaders. In 2004, EDC received the Global Innovator award from CoreNet Global, the world’s leading association for corporate real estate and related professionals. In 2003, the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded EDC its Excellence in Economic Development Award for “Enhancing Regional Competitiveness.”

Prior to coming to San Diego, Ms. Wright served as California’s first secretary of Trade and Commerce and a member of Governor Pete Wilson’s Cabinet from 1991 to 1997. She led the Administration’s wide-ranging business climate reforms and built a new Agency. Wright was named California Leader of the Year by Leadership California in 1996 and the nation’s Outstanding Secretary of Commerce by the Biotechnology Industry Organization in 1995.