

Cowlitz Economic Development Council:
Our Team
Meet Our Team

President
Ted Sprague
Ted has worked in the field of economic development since 1995. Since the year 2000, Ted has served as President of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council.  During his tenure, the CEDC has helped to recruit over 2800 jobs and over one billion dollars in capital investment in Cowlitz County. Ted graduated from Washington State University. He is married and has three grown children

Vice-President
Lindsey Cope
Lindsey was recruited to the CEDC in 2017. Lindsey specializes in business recruitment. She has been instrumental in the continued expansion of regional tourism efforts, quality of place initiatives, non-profit assistance, and the development of our rural areas, smaller businesses, and downtowns. Through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsey was instrumental in the distribution of over $6 Million in private and public aid to local businesses.

Executive Board
Mike Karnofski
Mike has been a Board member for over 20 years, an Executive Board member for over 10 years and twice served as Board Chair.  As a volunteer, he provides other support and representation for the CEDC as needed.  Mike has extensive experience in economic development, including his 37 years with Weyerhaeuser, 6 years as a Cowlitz County Commissioner, presently as a member of the Kelso City Council. 

Special Projects
Joelle Wilson
Joelle has been associated with the CEDC for several years, helping wherever she is needed, mostly with social media, website content, events, and promoting the many aspects of Cowlitz County that make it a great place to both live and do business. She loves spending time outside, enjoying our beautiful area.