Sarah Alway, the 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 honor, presented by the Florida High Tech Corridor and the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), recognizes emerging leaders in Florida’s economic development sector.
Each year, this award is given to an individual showing promise and achievement in economic development. Recipients receive a $5,000 scholarship for coursework and fees related to earning the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
During her two years at Pasco EDC, Alway has contributed significantly to her organization and earned three promotions. 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 features resources such as an Employer Resource Library, Careerseeker Resource Library, and ConnectOPP tool aimed at improving talent engagement. Alway also plays a key role in programs focused on retaining and attracting businesses to Pasco County.
Reflecting on her career goals, Alway stated: “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.”
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.
The Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award was established in 2015 to honor Congressman Daniel Webster’s commitment to advancing economic growth in Florida. The most recent award was presented by Paul Sohl, CEO of Florida High Tech Corridor, during FEDC’s annual conference awards dinner.
“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 for FEDC 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.”
With this recognition Alway joins past recipients including professionals from organizations such as Duke Energy; City of Largo; City of Tampa; PowerSouth Energy Cooperative; Public Service Company of Oklahoma; Hillsborough County; Ashley Capital; City of Gretna; Bay County Economic Development Alliance; University of West Florida Small Business Development Center; and Florida’s Great Northwest.
The Pasco EDC works with corporate partners as well as public investors since 1987 toward strengthening business growth opportunities across North Tampa Bay (www.pascoedc.com). The FEDC serves as a membership-based not-for-profit supporting education on policy issues related to statewide economic initiatives.
Florida High Tech Corridor connects academic researchers from three major universities—University of Central Florida (UCF), University of South Florida (USF), University of Florida (UF)—with entrepreneurs across 23 counties through initiatives like Cenfluence industry clustering programs or matching grants for research partnerships (https://floridahightech.com/).
