Joe A. Sumners became Director of ECDI on February 1, 2002. He served as Associate Director of ECDI for two years prior to being named Director. Before coming to ECDI, he served as training and research coordinator for Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Services. He also served on the political science faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He has also worked as a county health inspector and a high school teacher and coach.

He is a widely-published scholar and speaker. His research interests include Alabama government, leadership, rural development, and strategic planning.

Dr. Sumners has also conducted over 150 workshops and courses for Alabama county and municipal officials over the last 10 years. He is an experienced consultant with over 12 years experience providing technical assistance in strategic planning and community and economic development to Alabama cities and counties.

He has serves in an advisory and leadership capacity in a number of organizations, including Governor Bob Riley’s Black Belt Action Commission, the Alabama Development Office (ADO) Community and Rural Development Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors of Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE). In addition, he is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the Southern Growth Policies Board, the Southern Economic Development Council, the Economic Development Association of Alabama, and the Society for the Advancement of Management, and is past-Chairman of East Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform.

Dr. Sumners is a native of Harpersville, Alabama. He received his BS and MA degrees from Auburn University and his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He is married to Lynn Sumners and has two children, Lacey Updegraff (age 23) and Tucker Sumners (age 9).

Mike Easterwood conducts research related to state and local economic development activities in Alabama, coordinates the Graduate Minor in Economic Development, prepares and administers grant proposals on behalf of EDI, Auburn faculty and departments, and other organizations outside the university, and works with communities in developing strategic plans for economic development.

Prior to his employment with EDI, Mr. Easterwood served as Development Director with the Center for Governmental Services (CGS) at Auburn University (1985-1994). He served as a Research Specialist with the Bureau of Governmental Research and Service at the University of South Carolina from 1981 through 1985. In addition, Mr. Easterwood was Development Director with the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission in Anniston, Alabama from 1971 through 1981.

Mr. Easterwood was born in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. He received his BA degree from Auburn University in 1971 and earned graduate degrees from Jacksonville State University (MPA) and the University of Alabama in Birmingham (MA/Urban Studies). He is married to the former Patsy Wilbanks of Goodwater, Alabama and the proud parent of two daughters, Casey and Kristen.

Amelia Hall Stehouwer coordinates educational programs for individuals interested in Alabama economic and community development. She also facilitates the Uniontown Cares community development project, representing Auburn's long-term commitment to Uniontown.

Amelia worked with EDI as a Graduate Research Assistant, from August 2004 until March 2005, when she began her current position as Outreach Assistant. Before working with EDI, she worked as a volunteer coordinator and grantwriter at Lee County Alabama Habitat for Humanity. Prior to working with Habitat, she completed undergraduate internships with the Alabama Poverty Project and Greater Birmingham Ministries.

Amelia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Samford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in December 2002. She was the inaugural graduate of Samford's Christianity, Women, and Leadership Studies Minor program. Amelia is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Public Administration, with a Graduate Minor in Economic Development at Auburn University. She is married to Seth Stehouwer.

Markie began working at Auburn University in 1982. She has worked in Liberal Arts, Education, Engineering, and Outreach. By working in a variety of disciplines and units across campus, Markie has gained a greater understanding and appreciation for each of the purposes for which Auburn was founded: Instruction, Research, and Extension.

She also worked at Columbus State University, the Hughston Orthopaedic Clinic, and Synovus Financial Corporation in Columbus, Georgia. This has given her experience in educational, medical, and corporate settings.  Markie attended Columbus State University, majoring in English.

Markie and her husband, Bobby, live in Salem with 2 cats and a dog.