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Secretary Ridge to Address Changing Economic Development Landscape
Change is constant. Every era ushers in forces requiring people, businesses, institutions and governments to adapt. The Great Recession, globalization, demographic shifts and stunning technological advances herald a new era demanding significant transformation. You wouldn't know that looking at how most economic development is practiced, however. That has to change.
In the opening keynote of SSTI's Annual Conference, Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a former governor of Pennsylvania, will offer remarks challenging us to rethink how we encourage economic growth and factors we should consider in a new construct.
The Honorable Tom Ridge
Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, serving until February 2005. The creation of the country's 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration and another call to service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania. During his DHS tenure, Secretary Ridge worked with more than 180,000-plus employees from a combined 22 agencies to create an agency that facilitated the flow of people and goods, instituted layered security at air, land and seaports, developed a unified national response and recovery plan, protected critical infrastructure, integrated new technology and improved information sharing worldwide.
Mr. Ridge previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives for six terms from 1983 to 1995, and was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, serving as the state's 43rd governor from 1995 to 2001. Governor Ridge's aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment.
Secretary Ridge is currently president and CEO of Ridge Global, an international security and risk management advisory firm, headquartered in Washington, DC. An engaging and dynamic speaker, Secretary Ridge regularly addresses audiences on a range of issues, including international business, security and leadership. Secretary Ridge also serves as chair of the SSTI Board of Trustees.