Christie Marcella is Deputy Director of Economic Development at the City of San Diego. In her role she oversees programs that support base sector innovation growth, business and assessment districts, and community development. Prior to this role, Christie was COO of Connect, a non-profit serving San Diego for over 40 years to grow and support the region’s innovation ecosystem. She is a passionate practitioner of inclusive economic development, being a first-generation American herself. She was executive director of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation as well as the economic development manager for the City of Carlsbad. Christie has a love for transportation and its role in supporting thriving communities. She holds her Master’s in Urban Planning and always looks at the intersection of physical and social systems to improve quality of life equitably and sustainably. She enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with family.