VEDC Loses Chief Executive

Two executives at the Valley Economic Development Center are no longer with the organization, the Business Journal has confirmed. Quentin Strode has left as chief executive of VEDC after being appointed by the board in March. Strode did not comment further but said there was “nothing bad” between him and VEDC. He did not confirm whether or not his departure was a mutual decision. VEDC, a Sherman Oaks non-profit small business lender, has not issued a comment despite multiple requests by the Business Journal. In addition, Robert Lopez resigned as chief operating officer of VEDC. Lopez said his departure was a personal decision. He officially left the company this month and has started a consulting business in the San Diego area. Lopez was appointed VEDC’s chief operating officer in December 2015. Strode’s exit comes less than a year after his predecessor, Roberto Barragan, departed VEDC. Barragan was the chief executive of the organization for 17 years.