New Executive Director Named at Tri County Economic Development District

Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) has named longtime staff member Frank Metlow as its new executive director, with his first day in the role scheduled for Aug. 3. Metlow steps into the position after more than four years with the organization and more than a decade of service on its Board of Directors; he takes the position previously held by Jeff Koffel, who served as the executive director for two different stints.

Koffel announced his retirement earlier this year. Metlow said his familiarity with the organization and the region made him a natural candidate for the leader- ship position. “I have indepth knowledge of all the projects TEDD is currently managing and have written or updated just about every plan that we currently operate under,” Metlow said.

“I have extensive experience in transportation and economic development planning and have managed several large, m u l t i - m i l l i o n - d o l l a r projects in the past. I also have a genuine love for our region, our staff, and the people we serve. I felt that I was a natural fit and provided a seamless transition in the vital position of Executive Director.”

During his time with TEDD, Metlow served as the Deputy Director/Planning Director who was responsible for a wide range of TEDD projects such as help ing oversee transportation planning, economic development initiatives, and the day-to-day management of TEDD and the Northeast Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization.

He was also the project lead for over $24million of grant-funded broadband projects for Stevens and Ferry Counties. Looking ahead, Metlow said he believes the organization is well positioned to continue supporting economic growth. “I see a bright future for TEDD and our region as a whole,” he said. “We have a very robust Board of Directors and have formed a vast network of regional partners that serve our communities.

We have set TEDD up for success by having a multisource budget that provides stability in these difficult times here in our state.” He added that the district will continue focusing on collaboration with local businesses, government leaders, and residents while updating long-term strategic plans and expanding partnerships that support services such as grant writing and broadband engineering.

Metlow also praised the staff he will be leading. “The team here at TEDD is top-notch,” he said. “Professional, dedicated members of our communities who genuinely care about serving our neighbors. We know our region and that knowledge gives our team a deep understanding of the needs and gaps that need to be addressed in our work.” Before his time back in Stevens County, Metlow spent two decades serving in the U.S. Navy as an aircrewman.

“I spent 20 years in the military as an aircrewman in the Navy,” he said. “This service taught me my core values of honor, courage, and commitment. The Navy helped me grow as a person and taught me discipline for both me and the team I work with.” He later served as planning and economic development director for the Spokane Tribe of Indians, where he credits a mentor with helping him transition from military service to civilian leadership.

“I was lucky to serve under a mentor there who helped me understand the difference in military and civilian work environments and set a solid foundation for me to develop my understanding of planning and project management,” he said. As he prepares to lead the organization, Metlow expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and reaffirmed TEDD’s commitment to the communities it serves.

“I would like to thank the TEDD Board, elected leadership and the great people of Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties for the opportunity to serve them in this role,” Metlow said. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my dedication to them, their goals and to the future of our region. TEDD is here to serve all of them, and we will stay dedicated to improving transportation, economic opportunities, and quality of life of the communities we love.