Stewart named President and CEO of Fairbanks Economic Development
The senior project manager for Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) is being promoted to President and CEO. The board of directors chose Jomo Stewart as the successor for James “Jim” Dodson, who has served as CEO since 2005.
“The value of Jim’s service to the Fairbanks community, the Interior and Alaska, is incalculable,” says Jennifer Imus, board chair. “From his entrepreneurial work starting and running local businesses, to leading the effort to Save Eielson during BRAC, to his more recent work to diversify our energy economy with the Interior Energy Project, protect and strengthen our university, and successfully achieve local-basing of two squadrons of F-35’s, Jim’s efforts have been tenacious and effective.”
Stewart was selected after a nationwide search. The transfer of leadership takes effect with the new year.
Stewart is a twenty-five-year resident of Fairbanks and a graduate of the UAF with a degree in political science. He has served as chief of staff for two state legislators and as an aide to legislative committees. More recently, as general manager of the Interior Gas Utility (IGU), Stewart negotiated the $352.5 million dollar deal to finance the Interior Energy Project and unite IGU and Fairbanks Natural Gas under community control.
“I’ve long had the honor and pleasure of working for our community through Fairbanks Economic Development, so I’m deeply honored for the opportunity to continue that service in this new capacity,” Stewart says. “Ours is a great community, with remarkable opportunities not just ‘on the horizon’ but materializing day by day. Like FEDC, we all have a role to play in helping leverage and build upon those opportunities for the good of our families, businesses, and broader economy. I’m excited for the renewed chance help our community capture those opportunities and build that success.”
Regarding the selection of Stewart, Imus adds, “The board’s goal was to find the best candidate to further FEDC’s mission of protecting and advancing the local and regional economy. We believe we’ve achieved that goal by selecting Jomo. He is dedicated to our community and he believes in FEDC as a platform to support building a bright future.”
Making History
The track of oil and gas development in Alaska shows the footprints of bold companies and hard-working individuals who shaped the industry in the past and continue to innovate today. The May 2024 issue of Alaska Business explores that history while looking forward to new product development, the energy transition for the fishing fleet, and the ethics of AI tools in business.