Fraser Valley/Vancouver – The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Read as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2026.
Read is currently running for re-election to Chilliwack City Council – Election Day is October 17.
Read brings extensive experience in economic and community development, business support, organizational leadership, government relations, and economic disaster recovery. Her career has included entrepreneurship, workforce development, business development and lending, and senior leadership within the Community Futures network.
She currently serves as General Manager of Community Futures South Fraser and has been actively involved in economic development initiatives throughout British Columbia. Read has also served in local and regional government, providing her with experience working across the business, community, economic development and government sectors.
“Nicole brings an exceptional combination of leadership experience, economic development knowledge and a genuine commitment to communities across British Columbia,” said Rocio Zielinski, Chair of the BCEDA Board of Directors. “The Board is excited to welcome Nicole to BCEDA and looks forward to working with her as the Association continues to strengthen its services to members and its role as a provincial voice for economic development.”
She has also been an active member of BCEDA since 2018 and has participated in BCEDA programs and Economic Summits, providing her with an existing understanding of the Association, its members and the diversity of the economic development profession in British Columbia.
Read succeeds Dale Wheeldon, who has led BCEDA since 2007 and will work with Read during a transition period to support continuity in the Association’s programs, partnerships and operations.
About BCEDA
The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is the leading professional association for economic development practitioners in British Columbia. BCEDA provides professional development, resources, advocacy, networking and programs that help economic development professionals and communities build resilient, sustainable and prosperous local economies.
