For the City Times

MADISON – The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) recently recognized Angel Whitehead as the 2022 Andy Lisak Young Professional Award winner, at the 2022 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development held in February in Madison.

The award, given every other year, was established in 1985 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of economic development early in their career.

“WEDA is thrilled to recognize Angel for her tremendous leadership and success in the field of economic development. Her commitment to the profession and desire to drive growth and prosperity in her community is exceptional,” said WEDA president and CEO Mary Perry. “While she may still be at the front end of her career, Angel’s dedication and hard work has greatly benefitted her organization and has resulted in numerous economic growth opportunities for the Heart of Wisconsin region.”

Angel currently serves as president of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her work at the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber, Angel served as the marketing communications coordinator for the Portage County Business Council and worked for several years in the local tourism and hospitality industry.

“I am both humbled and honored to receive the Andy Lisak  Young Professional Award. It is amazing to be a part of WEDA, an organization that does so much for our communities. WEDA truly understands the meaning of growth and progress,” said Whitehead. “Awards such as these come from collaborative efforts with other economic partners, and I want to thank each and every one of those partners from across Wisconsin and locally in Wood County.”

The Andy Lisak Young Professional Award was created by WEDA to acknowledge the rising stars of the economic development industry who are committed to meeting the economic challenges of today and positioning Wisconsin for a more successful tomorrow. The award is named after Andy Lisak, a former WEDA president and leader in Wisconsin’s economic development community who passed away in December 2020.