Sarah Alway, Economic Development Coordinator at the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), has been named the recipient of the 2024 Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award. The honor, presented by the Florida High Tech Corridor and the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), recognizes emerging leaders in Florida’s economic development sector.
The award provides a $5,000 scholarship for coursework and fees related to obtaining the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. Alway, who has worked at Pasco EDC for two years and earned three promotions during that time, was recognized for her significant contributions to local economic initiatives.
Bill Cronin, President & CEO of Pasco EDC, highlighted Alway’s achievements: “Sarah consistently demonstrates innovation in economic development, notably spearheading the successful redevelopment of Pasco EDC’s workforce development website, workforceCONNECT, which underscores her forward-thinking approach and her ability to leverage technology to achieve goals. Her leadership and collaborative skills have cultivated strong relationships within our industry, enhancing her contributions to economic and workforce development, and embodying the spirit of innovation.”
Alway led enhancements to workforceCONNECT that included new features such as an Employer Resource Library, Careerseeker Resource Library, and a tool called ConnectOPP aimed at improving talent engagement. She also plays a key role in supporting business retention and attraction programs for Pasco County.
Reflecting on her career goals, Alway said: “Since embarking on my journey in economic development, my ambition has been clear – to become a Certified Economic Developer and effect positive change while breaking barriers as one of the few female business leaders of an economic development organization in Florida.”
Alway holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from West Virginia University with minors in Leadership Studies and English. She also earned a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.
The Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award was established in 2015 to honor Congressman Daniel Webster’s commitment to economic growth in Florida. The award was presented by Paul Sohl, CEO of Florida High Tech Corridor, during FEDC’s annual conference awards dinner.
“This scholarship represents our belief in the potential of rising talents like Sarah, who demonstrate the innovation and leadership essential to Florida’s continued economic growth,” said Sohl. “The Corridor is proud to invest in the next generation of our state’s economic development workforce and empower them to excel in a rigorous process without financial barriers.”
Beth Cicchetti, Executive Director of FEDC added: “As an emerging leader in the field of economic development, Sarah embodies the drive, creativity, and passion that are crucial for fostering innovation and growth within our communities. Her achievements set a sterling example for the state’s emerging leaders in economic development.”
Alway joins 11 previous recipients from various organizations across Florida who have received this recognition since its inception.
The Pasco Economic Development Council works with corporate and public investors to support business growth initiatives throughout North Tampa Bay. More information can be found at www.pascoedc.com.
FEDC serves as Florida’s primary resource for policy advocacy and professional networking among those interested or involved in growing Florida’s economy.
The Florida High Tech Corridor is an initiative created by three research universities—University of Central Florida (UCF), University of South Florida (USF), and University of Florida (UF)—to support high-tech growth across 23 counties through programs such as industry clustering initiatives (Cenfluence), matching grants for university partnerships (research matching grants), education resources (newsletter), coaching for federal research award pursuits (education & workforce development), networking events (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter), helping entrepreneurs access available resources.
