Seven years under Dillon’s command has seen the 501(c)(4) non-profit ascend to an esteemed level influence on the peninsula. A conversation with virtually anyone involved in local government or commerce will often at one point or another harken back to a specific time or period of KPEDD involvement. In short, the small operation has developed a big reputation under Dillon, who leaves some big shoes to be filled.
According to Tim, though, he is leaving KPEDD in more than capable hands with Cassidi Cameron at the helm.
“Making sure that we had somebody that understood customer service, understood our brand and that could help continue to develop that brand with the incorporated communities and the unincorporated communities,” said Dillon. “Having worked with Cassidy in a variety of different roles, I knew that she would be able to not only continue to do the work we were doing, but also be able to take it up a couple notches.”
To say the operation is small is almost even an understatement, considering the influential role it has taken on over the last several years. Including Dillon, KPEDD has operated with only four people on staff: Dillon, Cameron, Programs Manager Caitlin Coreson, and Research Assistant Abby Dial.
Cameron says that influence has a lot to do with KPEDD’s philosophy–how they focus on the human element of the programs and establishments they advise or connect, a sentiment echoed by Dillon, who said, “[KPEDD is] that place that when somebody’s got a question or a need, they come to us and if we can handle it, great. If we can fit it into our comprehensive economic development strategy, great. If not, being able to identify who can help that person or that business.”
Cameron adds that she understands the high standard Dillon set during his tenure as the non-profit’s executive director. “Expectations of myself [are] to be sure that I am continuing the work that we’ve kind of done together over the last, I’ve been with KPEDD for four years, and we kind of have the map and the guide that Tim has set us on, and to make sure that those milestones and those goals are met.”
On the topic of the many programs and industries upon which KPEDD fingerprints can be found, Cameron highlights a few, specifying that in the upcoming year they intend to focus on improving mariculture industry development, workforce development, employee retention programs, broadband, infrastructure, and then land use–just to name a few. Not bad for a group of only four people.
Beyond these areas of focus, Cameron says they also want help peninsula businesses become more energy efficient. “Kind of identifying how to lower costs for small businesses and larger businesses for operating. We want to lower their bottom line to make them more efficient in what they’re doing and then make their bottom lines a little bit stronger.”
Dillon initially moved to Alaska to work on the Arctic Winter Games after spending more than 25 years in sports and entertainment. Through his involvement with the Arctic Winter Games he eventually became the city manager of Seldovia until he took over KPEDD in 2016.
His retirement officially begins on Jan. 1.