Mark Orcutt selected to lead East Bay Leadership Council and Contra Costa Economic Partnership
An extensive search led to elevating a longtime staffer and strategic communications professional to the top position
Walnut Creek, CA – After a four-month search that included more than one hundred applicants, the East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) and Contra Costa Economic Partnership (CCEP) have selected Mark Orcutt as their next President & CEO / Executive Director.
Orcutt is a Northern California native who started his career working on statewide governance reform at California Forward and leading political campaigns across the Bay Area. Since being hired in 2015, Orcutt has taken on increased leadership roles within both organizations and has become well-respected for his innovation, operational skill set, and strategic communications.
“Mark is a proven leader who has been instrumental in developing programs, driving revenue growth, and increasing EBLC’s regional influence over the last eight years,” said EBLC Board Chair, Leo Scott.
“Unlocking the region’s full economic potential will require creativity, a willingness to ask hard questions, and an openness to forge new partnerships,” said CCEP Board Chair, Alex Mehran Sr.. “We wholeheartedly believe that Mark is up to the challenge.”
Mark Orcutt, President & CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council and Executive Director of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership
Some of Orcutt’s priorities include implementing a multi-faceted local advocacy strategy to help overcome political barriers to critically needed housing construction and centering the region’s workforce development efforts around equitable access and opportunity.
In addition to anchoring the organizations in strategic advocacy and respected research, Orcutt is well-positioned to expand on the success of EBLC’s political candidate training program and CCEP’s promising nonprofit board match initiative.
“My career has been driven by a desire to help solve big problems through collective impact,” said Orcutt. “I am proud of how this team has contributed to a thriving and equitable East Bay economy for decades, and I am honored to help write our next chapter as President & CEO and Executive Director.”
Orcutt graduated summa cum laude from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Political Science. When not at the office, you can find him exploring his favorite East Bay Regional Parks or enjoying a show at the Lesher Center with his wife Elizabeth.
Orcutt was preceded in the role by Kristin Connelly who was elected in November 2022 to serve as Contra Costa County’s Clerk-Recorder-Registrar.
About the East Bay Leadership Council
The East Bay Leadership Council is a diverse employer-led public policy advocacy organization focused on fostering a region where businesses and residents thrive. Over the past 85 years, EBLC has established a reputation for effective advocacy, built a network of influential leaders, and contributed to increasing economic vitality and quality of life for all.
About the Contra Costa Economic Partnership
The Contra Costa Economic Partnership is an economic and policy research organization led by influential leaders in the private and public sectors focused on illuminating actionable solutions to the most pressing problems we face as a region. CCEP’s current portfolio includes research on the new demands of the healthcare workforce and serving as the fiscal sponsor for an innovative work-based learning program.
Media Inquiries
Mark Orcutt (President & CEO / Executive Director), mark@eblcmail.org
Leo Scott (EBLC Board Chair), leo@graybowenscott.com
Wendy Gutshall (EBLC Vice Chair, Communications), wendy.gutshall@safeway.com
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If your company is not a member of the East Bay Leadership Council, we hope you will consider joining us. Learn more about our work and the benefits of membership at www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com