CREDC VP receives leadership and economic development awards

A man who was recently promoted by the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) has received the General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award.

Max Ault, promoted from director of business growth and development to vice president and director of business development, is the 28th recipient of the leadership award.

His new role includes assisting the president in administrative and outreach functions, in addition to his ongoing work serving as the primary point of contact for local businesses seeking assistance with startup, growth or retention issues.

In a letter of recommendation for the Marshall Award, CREDC President Mike Bomar said Ault plays a critical role in the CREDC and economic vitality for Clark County.

In addition to serving on the Fort Vancouver National Trust’s community outreach and engagement committee, Ault is an advisory board member for Creative Media and Digital Culture program and business-growth mentor at Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV).

He also is on the National Board of Advisors for Carson College of Business, at WSUV, and is a board member for Cascadia Technical Academy (former Clark County Skills Center) Foundation.

“His passion for helping others has resulted in changing lives for the better and has built him a network of many of the community’s most respected leaders,” Bomar said.

The other nominees for the Marshal Public Leadership Award included Sean Philbrook (Identity Clark County), Bradley Richardson (Clark County Historical Museum), Michael Pond (Young Democrats of Clark County), Whitney McMillin (Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington), Jenny Thompson (Police Activities League), Alex Major (Army National Guard and Evergreen High School DECA) and Katie Archer (Archer Public Affairs).

Ault will travel to Lexington, Virginia, to tour the Marshall Foundation, and to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. He will participate in the Leadership Clark County and Fort Vancouver National Trust’s Celebrate Freedom programs.

Ault recently received a 40 Under 40 award from Development Counsellors International, a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing. The award recognizes talent in the economic development profession.

Ault said both honors were unexpected.

“They are a testament to the amazing team here at CREDC, our board, and partners — all of whom provide the foundation and support to be creative and energetic in both the day-to-day and strategic work on behalf of our community,” he said.

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