Chris Rico

Chris Rico is the President and CEO of the Solano County Economic Development Corporation (Solano EDC), a position he has held since January 2022.123 With a diverse background spanning economic development, entertainment, education, politics, and philanthropy, Rico brings a wealth of experience to his role at Solano EDC.1

Professional Background

Before joining Solano EDC, Chris Rico founded LevelUP, a social enterprise focused on providing studios, networks, and creative agencies with a diverse talent pipeline.1 His previous experience includes:

• Leading the Center for Innovation at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
• Creating and leading InnovateLA, a county-wide innovation festival that won the Grand Prize for an economic development program from CALED
• Spearheading industry cluster development efforts in Digital Media and Entertainment (DME) at LAEDC

Achievements and Initiatives

During his tenure at LAEDC, Rico made significant contributions to economic development in Los Angeles:

• Built InnovateLA, showcasing Los Angeles as a hub for innovation across various sectors
• Worked with industry and academic institutions to create career pathways representing the diverse Los Angeles population
• Focused on advancing opportunity and prosperity for all Angelenos through his work at LAEDC

Role at Solano EDC

As President and CEO of Solano EDC, Chris Rico is responsible for leading the organization's efforts to promote economic growth and development in Solano County, California.12 His appointment to this position in January 2022 marked a new chapter for the organization, bringing his innovative approach and diverse experience to benefit the local economy.34