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Columbia Economic Development Corporation Appoints Jonathan Spampinato as President & CEO

The Board of Directors of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Spampinato as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Spampinato brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning economic development, sustainability, strategic communications, public affairs, and organizational management across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He will succeed longtime President and CEO F. Michael Tucker and will lead the organization’s continued efforts to strengthen Columbia County’s economy, support local businesses, expand housing and workforce opportunities, and advance strategic development initiatives throughout the county.

“Jonathan brings an exceptional combination of leadership experience, strategic vision, and deep commitment to Columbia County,” said Jim Calvin, Chairman of the CEDC Board of Directors. “His background working with global organizations, government agencies, and community institutions, along with his local involvement, makes him uniquely qualified to lead CEDC into its next chapter.”

Most recently, Spampinato served as Senior Manager of Global Sustainability for Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a publicly traded international shipping and logistics company, where he worked across global business units to integrate environmental, social, and governance practices into corporate strategy and operations. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the IKEA Foundation, and other organizations focused on communications, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable economic development.

Earlier in his career, Spampinato worked in Massachusetts state government, including positions with the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment and the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation, where he developed experience in public policy, economic development, and regulatory affairs.

A resident of Hudson, Spampinato has also become deeply engaged in local civic and economic development efforts. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Hudson Industrial Development Agency and is involved with several local nonprofit and community organizations, including the Columbia Memorial Health Foundation and Friends of Park Square.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of CEDC,” said Spampinato. “Columbia County is an extraordinary community with tremendous assets, opportunities, and potential. I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff, municipalities, businesses, nonprofit partners, and residents to continue advancing initiatives that strengthen our economy, support entrepreneurship, expand opportunity, and enhance quality of life throughout the county.”

“CEDC has built tremendous momentum through the collaboration of our staff, Board, elected officials, business leaders, and community partners across Columbia County. Jonathan has the experience and vision to build on that foundation, and I look forward to seeing the organization continue to grow and succeed under his leadership,” said outgoing President and CEO Tucker.

In the coming months, Spampinato will work closely with CEDC staff, Board members, local governments, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and regional partners to ensure a smooth leadership transition and maintain continuity across the organization’s ongoing initiatives and programs. The transition process will prioritize collaboration, relationship-building, and continued progress on the organization’s strategic priorities, while creating opportunities for community stakeholders to engage with the new President and CEO as he begins his tenure.

Spampinato will officially begin his role on June 15, 2026