Susan Houston is Executive Director of MassEcon and has held that position since the organization’s founding in 1993. Susan’s professional background includes experience in commercial real estate development, project management, and leasing at Cabot, Cabot & Forbes and JMB/Urban Development Company. Susan serves on the board of directors of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, the New England Economic Partnership, Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), and the Brookline Economic Development Advisory Board. Susan also represents MassEcon on the Board of the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership. She is a past board member of New England Women in Real Estate and the Massachusetts Economic Development Council. In her spare time, Susan can be found at her favorite neighborhood haunts – the Brookline Booksmith and Coolidge Corner Theatre. She enjoys the outdoors, exploring cities on foot, and cooking with family and friends. Susan holds an undergraduate degree from Boston University and a Master in City Planning from MIT.
Douglas Kehlhem is the Director of Corporate Site Location where his day-to-day activities include managing the Site Finder Service, numerous activities related to business attraction and retention, and overseeing MassEcon’s Market Ready Properties initiative. Doug received his BA and Master in City and Regional Planning from Ohio State University, and has twelve years of experience in the economic development profession in Greater Columbus, Ohio and Massachusetts. Doug is active in the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC), CoreNet Global, Team New England, Northeast Economic Developer's Association (NEDA), and American Planning Association. Doug is an experienced golfer and an avid college sports fan with special affection for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Trina Aitken is MassEcon’s Communications Assistant where her day-to-day activities include event management and communications. As the newest member of the MassEcon team, Trina brings us the benefits of a versatile and creative professional background and education. Trina received her BA from Berklee College as a multiple scholarship award-winner. With more than seven years of small business management experience in the professional arts industry, she brings to us much valuable experience. Trina holds her Master's Certification in Communications from N.Y.U. and contributes valuable experiences in public relations and client services. A professional performer and music-educator, Trina can be found teaching classes and performing with her group at clubs and events all around Boston and the South Shore.
David is one of our Economic Development Interns at MassEcon. David graduated from Bates College with a Degree in Psychology. After living in New York City for two years, he has returned home to Massachusetts. While in NYC, he was involved in freelance video production with experience in casting, editing and producing projects including corporate web videos, network TV, and film. David’s duties at MassEcon include maintaining social media outlets, organizing and running our frequent events, and helping with any other projects that need an extra hand around the office. Meanwhile, David is also starting his own company to produce independent films. David is often drinking tea and reading books on regenerative agriculture.
Casey is the newest intern at MassEcon, thanks to the Northeastern University Co-op program. She is currently a sophomore at Northeastern pursuing a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. After studying International Business and Spanish in Spain this past summer, Casey hopes to have another opportunity to go abroad to study. Casey’s prior internship experience as a marketing assistant is standing her in good stead at MassEcon. In her spare time, Casey follows competitive Irish Dance, enjoys concerts, and is a designer for a campus music magazine.