Cristina Killingsworth Named Acting Assistant Secretary Of US Economic Development Administration
By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Cristina Killingsworth will assume the role of Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, leading the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), effective immediately. EDA was led by Assistant Secretary Alejandra Castillo from August 2021 to August 2024.
“Cristina Killingsworth has helped lead historic investments in technologies of the future and to empower a skilled workforce across our place-based initiatives during her tenure at EDA. That’s why I’m excited to share that she will be stepping into this leadership role to build on that critical work and lead the bureau into its next chapter,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Cristina is the ideal choice to continue the work first led by former Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo, who guided the deployment of nearly US$8 billion in economic development support across America. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, EDA’s programmes have supported the growth and retention of nearly 800,000 good-paying American jobs. I look forward to seeing Cristina continue this work for EDA and with our local teams implementing these generational investments across the nation.”
Killingsworth previously served as EDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, responsible for EDA’s national programs, including Tech Hubs, Recompete, the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, and the Good Jobs Challenge and the legislative and public affairs portfolio. Earlier in the Biden-Harris administration, Cristina served as Chief of Staff for the International Trade Administration, a bureau in the US Department of Commerce.
“At this exciting moment when our community-driven investments are advancing not only regional competitiveness but our national and economic security, I’m so pleased to see an experienced leader like Cristina Killingsworth assume the role of Acting Assistant Secretary for Economic Development,” said US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “I want to thank former Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo for her leadership throughout one of the most expansive and impactful periods in EDA’s history—resulting in both critical economic recovery and tremendous future-facing growth throughout the nation.”
“I am deeply honored to continue serving EDA as the Acting Assistant Secretary. This bureau has been at the forefront of investing in America’s technology and innovation ecosystems, strengthening this nation’s workforce, infrastructure, and entrepreneurs, and helping communities build back stronger after disasters,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “During her three years leading EDA, former Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo’s leadership guided the bureau during a tremendous time of innovation and growth, awarding billions of dollars to benefit communities across the country. I am excited to build on that work and support the outstanding team at EDA as we continue to equitably invest in America’s communities to grow jobs, foster innovation, revitalize distressed communities, and strengthen our national competitiveness.”
