Over the past year, there have been some internal staffing changes for long-standing members of the Santa Clarita Valley Econonic Development Corporation. The prior Director of Business Assistance for seven years, Sue Arellano, retired in May and was replaced by Dr. Jey Wagner. In September President and CEO Holly Schroeder left the SCVEDC after more than 10 years of service.

With Wagner named to replace Schroeder as president and CEO, the SCVEDC has announce that veteran economic developer Ondré Seltzer will be taking over Wagner’s prior role as vice president of workforce and economic development.

Seltzer joins the SCVEDC following his groundbreaking work as the Economic Development Manager for Falcon Field Airport.

His achievements include attracting domestic and international businesses, facilitating the development of electric vertical take-off and landing infrastructure, establishing a 63-acre tech center, negotiating more than $300 million in new investments, transforming Falcon Field Airport into the second busiest general aviation airport in the United States. In addition to his role at Falcon Field Airport, he served as a member of the steering committee for Tech London Advocates.

“The SCVEDC is excited to welcome Ondre to our team and the community,” said Wagner. “He brings a wealth of experience in corporate business development, Foreign Direct Investment and government relations, offering invaluable support to global companies exploring expansion opportunities across a diverse range of industries, including semiconductors, renewable energy, manufacturing, aerospace and infrastructure, among others. His expertise will be crucial in continuing the great work the SCVEDC has planned for Santa Clarita.”

With over more than decade of expertise in economic development, he previously served as the vice president of international business development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. During his tenure, he actively promoted the state’s business environment and other advantages to global companies seeking to reshore complex global supply chains.

Prior to this role, Seltzer held the position of vice consul at the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles, representing the United Kingdon’s Department for International Trade as part of the West Coast technology team.

In this capacity, he identified trade and investment opportunities for both UK and U.S.-based Fortune 1,000 companies. With a background in local economic development and international investment, Seltzer has contributed to projects across various regions, states and countries including Europe, Asia, Israel, California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. During this time, his collaboration with senior diplomatic and business leaders resulted in the successful realization of high-value projects exceeding $1 billion in value.

Seltzer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Business with a minor in Sociology from the University of Arizona. He has also completed coursework with prestigious institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the American Management Association and Dartmouth College.