Bettye J Atkinson

Ms. Atkinson received her B.A. Degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and did graduate work at Howard University and George Washington University in Washington, D. C. Her professional life began as a Management Intern with the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration (EDA). After her internship she accepted employment with EDA's Indian Program which was devoted to improving the economic environment on reservations. The work was exciting and allowed Ms. Atkinson a native of Atlanta, Georgia, to travel extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. She moved to Seattle, Washington in 1985.

For more than 30 years, the main focus of Ms. Atkinson's career has been economic development assistance to distressed and under-served communities. She became Chief of Planning and Technical Assistance in 1995. Her experience with State and local governments, Indian Tribes, Institutions of Higher Education, public and private organizations and Economic Development Districts have made her a sought after leader in the field of economic development. She has served on the Mayor's Economic Development Task force, numerous local committees and represented EDA's Seattle Regional Office throughout its eight-state region including the Pacific Islands. Ms. Atkinson's approach to economic development begins at the local level where it is important to listen to the community, assist in determining the problem, and together addressing the needs. This allows the community to determine its long-term future. When she says, "I am from the Government and I am here to help you," she really means it.