Erica Smith has been appointed executive director of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC).

Mrs Smith, who took on the role from August 18, will be responsible for the overall management and administration of the BEDC to ensure the provision of managerial, financial and IT support, and advice to small and medium sized businesses, entities in the Economic Empowerment Zones, and vendor market sectors.

In addition, the BEDC stated, she will oversee the legislated responsibility of the maintenance of a Register of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.

Prior to this appointment, Mrs Smith joined BEDC in April 2009 as the Director of the Economic Empowerment Zones Agency where she was responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of Economic Empowerment Zones throughout Bermuda.

During her tenure, Mrs Smith met the Government’s goal of establishing Economic Empowerment Zones in the east, west, and centre of the Island through legislative amendments and organisational development.

“With her extensive experience in organisational management, policy development, business continuity and risk management as well as urban planning, revitalisation, regeneration and community development, Mrs Smith played an integral part in the transformation of these Zones to ensure economic, social and physical issues are identified and addressed through adequate policies.” the BEDC statement added.

Mrs Smith has also served as the director of Sustainable Development at the Cabinet Office and Assistant Director of Planning for the Department of Planning.

As executive director, Mrs Smith will continue to manage the development of the Zones.

BEDC chairman Nick Kempe said “Erica had been acting in the role since February and under her leadership the organisation has made clear progress. The board is confident that Erica will continue to position the BEDC as the first and best stop for small and medium sized enterprise advice. The BEDC has a number of exciting initiatives in the pipeline and with Erica at the helm we look forward to celebrating our collective successes in the months to come.”

Mrs Smith said: “As executive director of the BEDC, I will continue to work on worthwhile issues related to entrepreneurship and local business development but at the broader national level.

“I intend to bring a fresh innovative approach and look forward to continuing to work with the team to ensure that BEDC support for our stakeholders remains unparalleled.”