City of Hayward Employee Wins 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development

Jacksonville, Fla. – Paul Nguyen, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Hayward has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s 40 Under 40 awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development profession. 

An independent six-member selection committee evaluated and chose the winners based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry. The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing.   

“Recognition of Paul’s leadership and contribution to the economic development field is well deserved.   His program development and data analysis skills helps shape growth for our dynamic community,” said Micah Hinkle, Economic Development Manager, City of Hayward. “Paul’s passion for economic development and the work he is doing is having a positive impact on our residents and business community.”

In early 2015, Paul’s watershed “Industrial Technology & Innovation Corridor Baseline Profile” exposed a muscular and growing ecosystem of advanced industries in Hayward. Prior to the study’s publication, the size and scope of Hayward’s industrial corridor had been largely unquantified.  His work also included development of the City’s Business Concierge Program, a personalized customer service program designed to attract and expand the City’s targeted industries. Paul’s recent business attractions include food manufacturing and biotechnology companies.   

DCI’s 40 Under 40 award was designed to discover the economic development profession’s rising stars.  The committee evaluated over 170 applications from across the country. Paul was the only California professional recognized. 

“The people chosen by the selection committee represent a bright future for the economic development world,” said Andy Levine, president of DCI. “They are a new breed of results-driven place makers.  We’re very pleased to see Paul among the winners.”

“I was impressed by the energy and dedication of these developers,” said Zach Patton, Executive Editor at GOVERNING Magazine and 40 Under 40 selection committee member. “Their passion for good economic development really stood out in their smart innovations, thoughtful programs, and cool ideas.”

DCI officially announced the winners last night at an awards ceremony during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Jacksonville and will feature an in-depth profile of each on its website during 2017. 

For more information on DCI’s 40 Under 40 winners, visit www.aboutdci.com/40under40. 

Photo Courtesy of DCI (Left to Right):  Andy Levine, President of DCI, Paul Nguyen, City of Hayward, Michael Langley, Chair of the International Economic Development Council