Economic Development Staff

Thomas Boydell, Manager
Thomas Boydell has worked in consulting and government for more than 20 years, specializing in business strategy and public-private partnerships, plus five years in leadership in the non-profit sector. Tom has an MBA from Wharton and master's degrees in regional planning and psychology. In 2011 he created BellevueCN, an English-Chinese e-zine featuring stories in technology and leadership in Asia-Washington trade.

Tom has been a member of ZINO Society since 2011, and serves on the boards for the World Trade Club of Washington, Japan American Society and India Association of Western Washington. He has also participated in overseas humanitarian efforts and fundraising for schools, water projects and hospitals in the Balkans, Albania, Southern France, East Africa and India. 

Susan Barber, Senior Administrative Assistant
Susan Barber handles all office management, conference space and seminar scheduling, special events planning, and communication needs of the Office of Economic Development. She has 30 years of experience in the private sector, principally as a manager at Nordstrom. Her expertise includes events planning, training, sales, promotion and media.

At the City of Bellevue, Ms. Barber has organized both large and small events. Small events have included meetings and receptions with foreign embassy and business leaders. Large events included the business leaders reception for the Pacific Rim Bankers Conference and the national conference, "Transforming Local Government."  In the private sector, the events she created for Nordstrom have become enduring annual traditions.