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Cornell Wesley, director of innovation and economic opportunity for the city of Birmingham, has been appointed to the board of directors for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for a two-year term.
Wesley is the first economic development leader from Birmingham to hold this position and only the second in Alabama’s history to achieve this honor. The IEDC, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, is the largest of its kind, with over 4,500 members committed to advancing economic development across the globe.
“Director Wesley’s leadership has greatly expanded the visibility of the City of Birmingham, which has yielded a tremendous economic impact that will be felt for generations,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “From Paris, France to Pratt City, Wesley and his team consistently work to find pathways to stimulate our economy. We are thrilled that he has been tapped to have a seat at this international table.”
Wesley has been instrumental in securing major events for the city, including the 2021 World Games, the 2023 National Association of Black Journalists Conference, and the upcoming 2025 World Police and Fire Games. His contributions extend beyond large events, with initiatives aimed at addressing Birmingham’s food deserts, such as facilitating the opening of a grocery store in a building that had stood vacant for over a decade. Wesley also spearheaded the Green Meadow real estate project, an all-African American-led development team responsible for a $2 billion transaction – the largest of its kind in the city’s history.
“This achievement is not only significant for me personally but also a tremendous opportunity for Birmingham and the state of Alabama,” Wesley said. “It brings with it greater visibility and enhanced access to resources that will aid us in our mission of prioritizing our community.”
A Birmingham native and graduate of A.H. Parker High School, Wesley previously served as the Economic Development Representative for Oklahoma and North Texas for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. In that role, he managed over $20 million in federal investment, resulting in a $1.5 billion impact in private investment and the creation of more than 4,000 jobs.
Wesley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Morehouse College and holds certifications in management, economic development, and entrepreneurship from various institutions across the country. His work has garnered multiple accolades, including being named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s and Oklahoma Journal Record’s “Top 40 Under 40.” He is also a past fellow of the Delta Entrepreneur Network.
Wesley’s appointment to the IEDC board reflects his continued dedication to elevating Birmingham’s economic prospects and positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of the city and the state.
