NEW NORTH, June 2, 2026 – New North Inc. Vice President of Business Development Barbara Koldos has been named as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers 2026 by Consultant Connect. She was chosen from a pool of more than 150 nominations received from peers in economic development and site consultants.
The Top 50 Economic Developer Award is a prized industry recognition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of economic developers across North America. It honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and effectiveness in driving economic growth and prosperity in their communities.
“Congratulations to Barbara on this great honor,” says Patti Habeck, New North Inc. president and CEO. “Over her five years with New North, she has been an exceptional ambassador for the region worldwide, telling our story at events nearby and across the globe. This award recognizes the results she has driven and is a great illustration of the talented team we have at New North, dedicated to serving the economic-development needs of Northeast Wisconsin.”
Koldos, who joined New North Inc. in April 2021, leads the organization’s regional business attraction efforts. These include the site-selection process, the marketing of Opportunity Zones, the Gold Shovel site-certification program, and engagement with local partners and real estate professionals to proactively identify and market sites/buildings. She also guides Global New North efforts around Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and export activity, along with representing the region at trade shows and site-selector events.
Koldos, one of a small number of individuals in Wisconsin to hold the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), also is immersed in efforts to improve Broadband internet throughout Northeast Wisconsin, particularly in rural areas. She has served on the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband since November 2022.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition, especially because it comes from my peers,” says Koldos. “One of the best parts of my work is helping to tell the New North story and showcasing what makes this region such a great place to live, work and grow. I’m also fortunate to be part of efforts that help strengthen our communities through infrastructure and other investments that support long-term success.”
The mission of Consultant Connect, a national consulting firm, is to bridge the gap between leading economic developers and location consultants, providing a platform to gain transparent feedback, invaluable insight and lasting business relationships.
Koldos and other winners of the North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers 2026 award will be honored at the annual ECONOMIX conference for economic-development professionals, Nov. 10-11 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
