Sarah Alway, Economic Development Coordinator at Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), has been named the 2024 recipient of the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award. The award, presented by the Florida High Tech Corridor and the Florida Economic Development Council, recognizes emerging leaders in Florida’s economic development sector.
Each year, the scholarship provides $5,000 to be used toward coursework and fees for achieving the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
Alway has served at Pasco EDC for two years, during which she has received three promotions and contributed to several initiatives. Bill Cronin, President & CEO of Pasco EDC, said, “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.”
The updated workforceConnect website now includes features such as an Employer Resource Library, a Careerseeker Resource Library, and the ConnectOPP tool designed to enhance talent engagement. Alway also plays a key role in business retention and attraction efforts in Pasco County.
“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,” said Alway.
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.
Florida High Tech Corridor CEO Paul Sohl presented the award during the Florida Economic Development Council’s Diamond Jubilee Awards Dinner at its annual conference. The scholarship was created in 2015 to honor Congressman Daniel Webster for his support in establishing the Florida High Tech Corridor.
“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 the Florida Economic Development Council 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 other professionals who have previously received this recognition.
The Pasco Economic Development Council offers programs aimed at supporting businesses seeking growth opportunities within North Tampa Bay since 1987. More information can be found at www.pascoedc.com.
The Florida Economic Development Council connects stakeholders across Florida’s economy through education and advocacy initiatives focused on policy development (https://fedconline.org/).
The Florida High Tech Corridor is an initiative driven by three research universities—the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Florida—focused on fostering high-tech growth across 23 counties through partnerships with entrepreneurs and academic researchers (https://floridahightech.com/).
