MEDA Members’ Corner: Jody Lassiter
Jody Lassiter, Business Development Manager, CSX Transportation, Inc.
Explain your background in economic development
My career spans 20 years in community and economic development in Kentucky, from serving as Commissioner of Kentucky’s chief community development agency for 3 years to serving as the executive of two local economic development organizations for 17 years. I joined the CSX team on August 23, 2021, as the Business Development Manager for the Central Region including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
What are your key priorities within your current position?
One of my key priorities is to build my professional network in Maryland so that I can be a trusted and credible partner when CSX is potential rail service provider.
What professional pressures keep you up at night?
My transition to working in the private sector with CSX for a four-state area is economic development from a very different perspective! I am building my knowledge of the rail industry while developing relationships with state and local economic development professionals in the 3 states, including Maryland, with which I am less familiar.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with MEDA and your fellow members?
For members whose communities are served by CSX as well as for those members who work at the the Maryland Department of Commerce, I look forward to meeting you and working with you for the shared benefit of the state, community, client, and CSX.
Please include any personal background information that you’d like to share (Alma mater, Military Service, hobbies, etc)
I’ve been the husband of Kelley for 25 years. We reside in Danville, Kentucky, just south of Lexington. I’m the Dad of Jacob (21) and Alana (18), who are both students at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. I am a graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Louisville School of Law. I continue to be a licensed attorney in Kentucky, which is a great resource for my economic development work.
