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2026 Executive Director Mentor Application

Through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), the NADO Mentor Program pairs experienced EDD Executive Directors with new Executive Directors to facilitate knowledge and information sharing across the national network of EDDs. These pairings provide valuable organizational and personal development for new EDD Executive Directors.

Applications are open until Friday, July 17.

Mentors are expected to:

· Meet with your Mentee on a regular, mutually agreeable schedule.

· Meet with NADO Research Foundation staff on a quarterly basis for brief check-in calls.

· Treat your Mentee with respect as a fellow RDO leader.

· Discuss the challenges facing the Mentee’s organization or region and offer advice or recommendations.

· Build a professional, working relationship with your Mentee.

Through the EDD CoP we are able to provide a $500 stipend to compensate them for their personal time spent on this program.

If you have any questions please contact Joe D'Antonio at jdantonio@nado.org.
1.Name
2.Email Address
3.Organization
4.State
5.EDA Region:
6.Are you an Executive Director of an EDD that has been in your position for 7 years or more?
7.What do you hope to gain out of participating in this program as a mentor?
8.Would you prefer to be paired with a Mentee who is serving a primarily rural, urban, or suburban region?
9.Would you prefer being paired with a Mentee from your same state, EDA region, or anywhere? (We will do our best to pair based along these preferences but might not be able to based on applicants.)
10.How often would you be able to meet with your mentee?
11.What is your preferred method of contact?
12.Do you have any other preferences for a Mentee that were not identified above?
13.Are you willing to take on more than one mentee?