Laura James has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP). James, who joined CVEP in 2014, has steadily advanced within the organization. She has held various roles, including Vice President of Innovation for five years and most recently served as Interim CEO.
Throughout her tenure at CVEP, James has overseen several innovative projects. These include the Coachella Valley Fast Pitch initiative, a COVID-19 business impact survey, and the monthly Morning Insights event that connects entrepreneurs and new residents. In 2024, she initiated a strategic planning process aimed at preparing CVEP for future regional economic development challenges.
James brings over a decade of experience in economic development strategy to her new role. She holds an M.B.A. from Auburn University and additional certifications in Nonprofit Management from the University of California Riverside, Information Systems Management from Auburn University, and Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. In 2022, she received the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council, making her one of fewer than 40 Certified Economic Developers in California.
Her leadership extends beyond CVEP; she is actively involved with several regional boards such as Desert Regional Medical Center Governing Board, The Desert Sun Editorial Board, LifeStream Blood Bank Board, and Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) Board.
Expressing her enthusiasm for her new position, James stated: “I am honored to assume the role of CEO at CVEP. CVEP has played a pivotal role in driving economic prosperity in the Coachella Valley, and I am committed to strengthening our partnerships across the region and beyond as we continue to grow the regional economy in sustainable, meaningful ways.”
Deborah McGarrey, Chairperson of CVEP’s Board expressed confidence in James's leadership: “We are confident Laura will lead us into a future of new opportunities and great successes for all the communities of the Coachella Valley, and for CVEP. Her wealth of experience in economic development and her deep understanding of the Coachella Valley make her the ideal candidate for this position.”