Managing Director, Business Development
Matt McQuade
Business Development and Project Management
Role and Responsibilities
As managing director of business development, Matt works to identify where growth is occurring, whether within an industry sector, particular type of operation or specific company. He is responsible for creating opportunities for the Columbus Region to compete for and win new jobs and investment by creating visibility for the market and putting together a business case that demonstrates the Columbus Region’s competitiveness.
Matt has worked in economic development for 10 years at the state and regional level in various roles, including sales, marketing and project management. He has managed projects in most industry sectors, but has seen the most activity in corporate office, mission critical facilities, and e-commerce. His greatest interest when making the case for the Columbus Region is working with Columbus 2020’s research team on labor analytics that show the market’s superior talent availability and cost.
Notable Expansion Projects
- The attraction of Amazon Web Services data centers, resulting in a $1.1 billion investment and creation of 120 new jobs
- The addition of two Amazon.com fulfillment centers, resulting in 2000 new jobs.
- The expansion of zulily in Gahanna, resulting in 900 new jobs.
- Dollar Shave Club’s 185 new jobs associated with the company’s first eastern U.S. fulfillment center.
Awards and Recognition
Top 50 Economic Developer, Consultant Connect, 2017
Past Experience and Education
Experience
- Ohio Sales Manager, Ohio Business Development Coalition
- Site Selection Specialist, Ohio Department of Development
Education
- Master of Public Administration, The Ohio State University
- Bachelor of Arts in political science, The Ohio State University
Board and Community Involvement
Board member, CoreNet Global, Ohio-Kentucky Chapter
Why do you live in the Columbus Region?
It is the best place to live in the country when you consider the amount of professional opportunity, culture and entertainment, amenities for raising a family, and cost of living. There are great cities across U.S., and there are inexpensive places to live. Columbus is the rare community that gives you the benefits of both.
Why do you work in economic development?
I’m passionate about Columbus. This job has an incredibly direct impact on the prosperity of this region and the ability people here have to put food on the table, support their families and claim a piece of the American Dream.