The Economic Development Department is happy to introduce Economic Development Intern Tavia Godfrey and Economic Development Project Manager Ted Choi!
Tavia is a student in the Muskie School of Public Policy at USM, seeking a Masters degree in Policy, Planning & Management. Tavia received her bachelor's of science from the University of Vermont, majoring in community development and applied economics with a double minor in public communications and community entrepreneurship. She has also worked in a diverse set of roles as an Americorp volunteer in Baltimore, General Manager at Old Smith Farm and Operations Manager at Highroller Lobster.
Tavia assists in a variety of economic development department tasks with a focus on Business Marketing & Outreach. Her projects include the Business Recognition Program - Out & About, Business Spotlight and the Annual Business Awards. She leads our social media program and produces the monthly economic development newsletter. Tavia is instrumental in developing our business database and will be integral in the digitization of the Business Resource Center that will include a searchable business database and user friendly tools to support new, existing and aspiring businesses in our community.
Ted is a graduate of the Master of Public Administration program at Auburn University with a certificate in Economic Development. He earned his bachelor's of arts from Auburn University majoring in Political Science.
Ted has worked in a range of roles across community and economic development, including with Opelika Main Street and Lee-Russell Council of Governments. He currently assists the South Portland Economic Development Department with a variety of projects supporting business growth, downtown revitalization, and job creation efforts.
Welcome, Tavia and Ted!