Who We Are

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Chief Executive Officer 

Jasjit Singh is a leader in global investment strategy, with over 20 years of experience advancing economic development, international business, and government engagement. As the former Executive Director of SelectUSA, he led the U.S. government’s flagship investment promotion agency through its most successful period, securing $145 billion in investments and driving job creation in critical industries. Jasjit has worked across sectors—as a consultant, non-profit executive, and senior government official—building high-performing teams and shaping investment policy at the highest levels. A trusted advisor to global executives and policymakers alike, he brings deep expertise in U.S. market entry, public-private partnerships, and cross-border collaboration. 

Board Member

Don Graves is the CEO of Highland Creek Advisors and a nationally recognized leader in economic policy, investment, and community development. As the former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, he served as the Department’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing national security, industrial strategy, and place-based economic development initiatives. He also led the federal government’s economic recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and served as Commissioner on the Helsinki Commission.

With decades of experience at the intersection of public policy and private investment, Don brings unmatched expertise in industrial strategy, community revitalization, and corporate responsibility. He holds a B.A. from Williams College and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

 Board Member

Alejandra Y. Castillo served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development from 2021 to 2024 guiding EDA through a historic period of growth, overseeing more than $6.8 billion in federal funding to support economic development nationwide. With over two decades of public service and nonprofit leadership, she has served in three presidential administrations—Biden, Obama, and Clinton—and is recognized for breaking barriers and mentoring leaders. Alejandra  holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook; a M.A. in Public Policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin; and a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law.  She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Fall 2024 Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. 

Board Member

 Gary Sumihiro is the CEO of Sumihiro Investment and a global strategic advisor with over 25 years of international experience across 30 countries. He has held senior roles as attorney, General Counsel, COO, President, and board member of major corporations, guiding startups, restructurings, cross-border transactions, and government relations. Gary has led projects ranging from IPOs, acquisitions, and joint ventures to clean technology, real estate, and foreign investment in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecom, and energy. A frequent speaker on international business, he has advised JETRO, served as a SelectUSA judge, and was appointed to advise the Secretary of Commerce on the U.S. Investment Advisory Council. 

 Board Member

 Kenny McDonald is a nationally recognized economic development leader and former President and CEO of One Columbus, where he spearheaded the region’s growth strategy and competitiveness agenda while building partnerships that accelerated investment and job creation. With more than 20 years of experience in regional economic development and management consulting, he has advised companies on global location strategies and helped communities strengthen their business climate. Kenny previously served in leadership roles in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Mexico, and as a principal consultant with Fluor’s Global Location Strategies, guiding projects across North America, Asia, and Europe. He is a Certified Economic Developer and former Chair of the International Economic Development Council. 

Chief Technology Officer

 Chris Medina is a technology entrepreneur and corporate IT leader with more than 25 years of experience serving Fortune 100 and 500 companies. He co-founded Clovity in 2008, a leading IoT software and systems integrator specializing in data aggregation, predictive analytics, and consulting—recognized on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list from 2021–2024. In 2023, he founded Nureal.ai to combine IoT expertise with artificial intelligence, quickly securing investment and joining NVIDIA’s Inception Program for high-potential AI startups. A graduate in Economics (University of Colorado) and Computer Science (Regis University), Chris also serves on the boards of EUCAST Global and the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance PAC.  

 Senior Advisor

Bill Burwell is a distinguished executive with over two decades of experience at the forefront of international trade, economic diplomacy, and public-private partnership development. A trusted advisor and connector across the public and private sectors, William has built enduring partnerships with Fortune 500 executives, government leaders, and international stakeholders. He has led cross-agency initiatives, high-profile convenings, and executive education programs designed to align economic policy with business innovation. William holds an MBA from Clark University and executive credentials from Cornell University, Dartmouth, and Penn State. His work has earned him the U.S. Department of Commerce Gold and Silver Medal Awards, among other national recognitions. 

Senior Advisor 

 Christina Sharkey is a global trade and investment leader whose career has spanned five continents. A former Senior U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officer, she served as Executive Director for the Western Hemisphere, managing offices from Canada to Argentina, and previously held senior posts in Prague, Munich, Cairo, Beijing, and San Francisco. Christina has advanced U.S. prosperity by promoting exports, attracting foreign investment, and protecting American business interests in industries from defense and energy to biotech and IT. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a B.A. from James Madison University. Fluent in Czech, German, and French, she has also studied Mandarin, Russian, and Slovak. 

Senior Advisor for India

 Sandeep Maini is a seasoned trade and investment advisor with more than three decades of experience advancing U.S.–India commercial relations. As Executive Director for Policy at the U.S.-India Business Council, he advised business leaders and policymakers on strengthening the economic corridor between the two nations and led initiatives in aerospace, defense, food systems, supply chains, and life sciences. Previously, during his long tenure with the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, he counseled senior government officials and guided hundreds of Indian companies investing in the United States. His deep network across ministries and industry associations, combined with his practical understanding of U.S. trade and investment policy, makes him a trusted bridge between Indian enterprises and American states and regions seeking investment and partnership. 

Senior Advisor for Taiwan

  Betsy Shieh retired in 2025 as a member of the Senior Foreign Service at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where for two decades she advanced American commercial interests across Asia. With over 40 years of experience in the Chinese-speaking world, she most recently led the U.S. Commercial Service team in Taiwan—one of the most dynamic investment partners to the United States. Under her leadership, Taiwan sent the world’s largest delegations to the SelectUSA Investment Summit year after year. Today, as Founder of Barbet Insights, Betsy helps Taiwanese and American companies navigate evolving supply chains, incentives, and regulatory environments. Her deep understanding of cross-border investment, technology ecosystems, and government engagement makes her a trusted bridge between Taiwan and U.S. states and regions seeking meaningful, long-term partnerships. 

Senior Advisor for Latin America

   Yamilee Bastien is a global trade and investment advisor with deep expertise across Latin America, the Caribbean, and emerging markets. A former U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officer, she served in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, helping hundreds of companies expand internationally and connecting U.S. states and regions with reliable investment partners. Yamilee has led initiatives in mining, critical minerals, clean energy, and infrastructure—sectors vital to resilient supply chains and U.S.-Taiwan collaboration. Drawing on her extensive government and private-sector network, she supports U.S. economic development organizations seeking investment from Latin America and advises international firms on U.S. market entry, incentives, and partnerships. At EDGE Partners, she bridges hemispheres—strengthening trade and investment ties that complement Asia-based supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the Americas.  

Investment Consultant 

Matthew Geason is a seasoned international investment advisor with deep expertise in helping companies enter and expand in the U.S. market. With experience across Asia and Latin America, he brings strategic insight in cross-border investment, trade promotion, and government engagement. As Portfolio Manager at SelectUSA, he supported over $18 billion of investment, and led client services and investment missions across Brazil, Mexico, and Canada. Previous roles include Investment & Trade Associate at Taipei City Hall, and as an Analyst at Thomson Reuters. He holds an MA from The George Washington University and a BA from the University of New Hampshire. He is proficient in Mandarin Chinese, conversational in Portuguese, and learning Spanish.