Weddle, who previously served as treasurer of the organization, is the first chairman elected to IEDC since it was created in May 2001 with the merger of the Council for Urban and Economic Development and the American Economic Development Council. He has served as president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council since joining the organization in July 1997. During his tenure, the group has assisted 114 companies who have expanded or relocated to the Greater Phoenix area, creating more than 18,000 jobs.

Weddle also was the founder, president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership in Toledo, OH and has more than 20 years of experience in economic development. In his new position as chairman of IEDC, Weddle succeeds former co-chairman Kurt Chilcott, president and CEO of CDC Small Business Finance Corp. in San Diego, and Jay Garner, executive vice president and chief economic development officer of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.