BY KAREN BOSSICK

A financial planner and analyst has been chosen to succeed Harry Griffith as the executive director of Sun Valley Economic Development.

Mel Jackson, who has a background in project management, stakeholder engagement and communication, will work with Griffith as he transitions into the leadership of SVED over the next couple months.

Griffith, who founded SVED in 2010, will continue as a consultant.

Mel Jackson is the new Sun Valley Economic Development director.

“It is with great excitement and humility that I join the SVED organization,” said Jackson. “I am looking forward to carrying on the amazing work started by our founder, Harry, while also expanding and deepening economic ties within Blaine County.”

Griffith has helped shape the community and provide it with data useful for making economic decisions in his role at the head of SVED. He was among those providing the vision for the Sun Valley Culinary Institute, eventually making that vision a reality.

And he played a key role in ensuring that visitors and ski racers attending the 2025 Audi FIS World Cup Finals in Sun Valley had a place to stay. He also organized annual Economic Summits and occasional roundtable gatherings to explore solutions to challenges facing the Wood River Valley.

“It’s been an awesome 15 years, helping our business community through the Great Recession, COVID-19 and the recent relocation cycle,” said Griffith. “Early successes like the Limelight Hotel’s Idaho tax incentive have morphed into meaningful and lasting impacts like the Sun Valley Culinary Institute and Alpine World Cup Finals. I'd like to shout out to the many collaborative partners during my tenure, from government institutions to nonprofits and our diverse business community.”

Guy Cherp, SVED’s board chair, said he is confident that Jackson will advance SVED’s mission, further strengthening economic development in Blaine County and continuing the legacy of value and impact that Griffith developed.

“I’d like to thank Harry for his leadership and countless contributions to our community over his many years of dedicated service,” he added

SVED, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit public-private partnership works directly with the Idaho Department of Commerce, Blaine County and its municipalities and other state agencies to preserve and advance the Sun Valley region’s economic vitality and diversity.

Its volunteer board includes major employers, public officials and community groups.

SVEF is funded by a renewable Idaho Department of Commerce grant, Blaine County and its cities and more than 150 private etor business members.