Impact Washington welcomes Maddie Merton as Account Executive for Southwest Washington: Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, Wahkiakum and Klickitat Counties.
Maddie brings more than 15 years of experience in economic and workforce development, having helped hundreds of businesses expand, modernize, and navigate complex growth challenges. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Business Retention & Expansion at the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, where she facilitated significant private investment, secured state grant funding, and supported the creation and retention of thousands of jobs. Her leadership in public-private partnerships has strengthened key sectors including manufacturing, aerospace, maritime, healthcare, and clean-tech. Earlier in her career, Maddie led manufacturing workforce initiatives at WorkForce Central and managed regional business development for Ajilon Finance Solutions.
In her new role, Maddie will work closely with business leaders in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, Wahkiakum, and Klickitat counties, to help strengthen operations, build workforce capability, and foster innovation. By leveraging Impact Washington’s statewide network and resources, Maddie will connect manufacturers to customized consulting, training, and educational programs designed to address their unique challenges and goals. Her approach emphasizes practical solutions that enhance competitiveness, drive sustainable growth, and position Southwest Washington manufacturers for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.
Kelley Sowards, President and Center Director of Impact Washington, shared her enthusiasm for Maddie’s addition to the team, saying “Maddie’s deep experience in regional economic development and her proven track record of building partnerships make her an incredible asset to our organization and to the manufacturers we serve. Her understanding of local businesses and her ability to connect resources at every level will help us continue delivering impact across Washington’s manufacturing community.”
Maddie shared her excitement about joining Impact Washington, stating, “I’m honored to support Southwest Washington’s manufacturers and help strengthen the region’s economy through innovation and collaboration.”
Maddie’s appointment reflects Impact Washington’s commitment to ensuring that manufacturers statewide have access to the expertise and support they need to grow and innovate in an increasingly competitive industry.
About Impact Washington
Impact Washington is a statewide non-profit providing consulting and training for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Leveraging public and private resources, we help businesses grow, boost productivity, reduce costs, and expand capacity.