The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation chose an award-winning economic development director as its first executive director, the nonprofit organization announced. Jonas Peterson, who previously worked in economic development in Mohave County in Arizona, begins his new post on June 28. “We are absolutely delighted that Jonas will be taking over stewardships of our EDC program to retain and nurture existing businesses in our valley while attracting businesses in targeted industries that will promote economic vitality for the future,” said Bill Kennedy, the group’s board chairman. “Jonas has an impressive list of credentials in that regard.” Besides working for Mohave County, Peterson also served as chairman of Arizona’s North River Economic Region. His accomplishments include organizing an award-winning regional business retention and expansion program and leading an effort to locate Chrysler Corp.’s premier vehicle proving ground in Mohave County. He was also responsible for organizing a nationally recognized quantitative marketing campaign designed to attract corporate, medical, retail and educational development. Peterson was named Arizona Economic Development of the year for 2010 by the Arizona Association for Economic Development and received the 2008 Horizon Award from the Institute for Sustainable Development. Jessica Selva