Maury Forman is the senior manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce. His focus is on creating healthy communities and developing a culture of entrepreneurship in rural areas. He also is the founder and director of the award-winning Northwest Economic Development course at Central Washington University, where more than 2,000 practitioners have graduated.
In 2014, Forman received the Economic Development Leadership Award from GIS Planning, and was recognized by the Teens in Public Service Foundation for his work with at-risk kids. In 2012, he became the first recipient of the Finkle Leadership Award in International Economic Development, and in 2012 he received the 2012 Governors performance Award for exceptional work in rural communities.
Forman has authored 14 books and numerous educational publications on various issues related to economic development. Prior to his work with the Department of Commerce, he founded three startup businesses.
