Jan 29 2025 29 mins 1
Barry Matherly joins Dennis, and they discuss the skills needed to be a great leader and how to become involved and give back to the economic development profession.
Barry has worn a lot of hats in his economic development career. His current role is as the President and CEO of Hickey Global. Prior to joining Hickey Global, Barry was the President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership and the Greater Richmond Partnership.
- You have led large organizations in very different communities. How were those positions and communities different?
- How were you able to adapt your skills to lead large teams and provide economic development leadership for the community?
- Along the way, you were also the Chair of IEDC and the Dean of OUEDI.
- What made you want to get involved in IEDC? Talk about your journey at IEDC, culminating in becoming the board chair.
- Why was certification important to you?
- What advice do you have for IEDC members who want to get more involved?
- Talk about OUEDI, its impact, and the education it provides.
Barry Matherly has helped communities prosper by creating opportunities for new investment and job growth for over 30 years. As a certified economic development professional and trusted international thought leader, he develops growth strategies to create vibrant, inclusive communities.
Barry leads Hickey Global, a part of the Hickey Family of advisory companies, utilizing its immense capabilities across a global footprint. With offices throughout the world and a diverse team of economic development, site selection, research, and marketing staff, Hickey handles innovative and complex assignments.
Mr. Matherly is a past chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest economic development association in the world, and the dean and an instructor at the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He is also an instructor at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Basic Economic Development course.
Over a long career managing economic development organizations, Barry has leadership experience at the city, county, regional and university levels. He also interned 3 years for the United States Department of Commerce and worked 6 years in management for a Fortune 500 company.
Barry has a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech University. He is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and a recipient of the Robert B. Cassell Leadership Award.
Barry Matherly was named one of the 40 Leaders Under 40 (2002) by the Charlotte Business Journal, recognized as a North Carolina Main Street Champion, designated as a Fellow Member and Honorary Life Member by IEDC and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum. He was also inducted into Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs Alumni Hall of Fame.
