Al Griffiths
Griffiths is the Executive Director of Tri-County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA).
Mr. Griffiths has more than 30 years experience including Secretary of Agriculture of
South Dakota. He most recently was the East Dubuque, IL City Manager and is a local
business owner.

Griffiths will be developing business support projects to assist communities with new
business development, enhance business expansion, and encourage entrepreneurial
business growth.


Russ Simpson
Simpson is Director of Community Relations for Jo Carroll Energy, and Founder of the Northwest Illinois Business Resource Center (NWILBRC). Simpson has extensive small business and corporate management experience. He spent several years working as a counselor with the State of Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Simpson assists small businesses during start-up and expansion to ensure their success as they grow and create jobs. He also facilitates many of the NWILBRC training offerings.

Lisa McCarthy
McCarthy is the Assistant Executive Director of Tri-County Economic Development
Alliance (TCEDA). Ms. McCarthy has more than 25 years experience as an entrepreneur.
She is owner of a marketing, public relations and social media consulting company.
McCarthy will be assisting with business support projects for TCEDA.