Our Staff
Our staff is small, but accomplishes much.
Although each position is structured to provide a specialized function, the staff interacts closely on projects, combining their expertise to see a project to fruition. Listed below is a brief description of each person’s background and the major focus of his or her position.
Jon Bittner
President & CEO
Coming 3/16/26.
Jon Bittner is a fifth generation Alaskan with over a decade of experience in the business and economic development sector in Alaska. Over the course of his career he has served as the Vice president of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, the Deputy Commissioner of the Dept of Commerce, Community and Economic Development and the State Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center. Through those roles he was able to drive new programs, new funding and new innovation in industries across the state. He has been recognized for his efforts by the Alaska Journal of Commerce, the Alaska Society of Leadership and Success, Development Counselors International and the International Economic Development Council. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation where he focuses on bring in innovation and new growth opportunities to Alaska’s largest city.
Heather Harris
Interim President & CEO
Heather Harris is the Interim President and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. She began her career in crisis intervention, working alongside individuals and communities facing complex challenges. For more than two decades, she has focused on strengthening Alaska’s health and well-being through leadership and partnerships that bridge the public and private sectors.
Heather has served as a Foraker Group Organizational Resilience Officer, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, and Director of Anchorage’s Health Department. She works closely with executives and boards to support strategic planning and collaboration that builds community resiliency.
Her experience includes leadership and advocacy with organizations such as Alaska Youth Advocates, Standing Together Against Rape, the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Providence Alaska CARES, and the Alaska Food Coalition
Jennifer Adams
Economic Development Manager
Jennifer Adams oversees economic development for AEDC, focusing on growing and supporting the business community in Alaska. Her expertise lies in business retention and expansion (BRE), economic research and reporting, strategic project development, and fostering collaborative initiatives that drive sustainable economic growth.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Sport Management from Aquinas College (2016). She initially worked in the professional sports industry before transitioning into corporate finance, multifamily asset management, and vendor relations with Monarch Investment and Management Group.
Her passion for the outdoors led her to pursue a Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy from the University of Colorado Boulder, which she is set to complete in 2025. Specializing in sustainable business practices and public land and natural resource policy, Jennifer also contributed to research for the US Forest Service on “urban proximate” and studied international recreation, tourism, and public land policies.
Outside of work, Jennifer embraces all the outdoor adventures Alaska offers, from backpacking and skiing to playing ice hockey. She has hiked the Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier and pack rafted across Admiralty Island.
Juan Benitez
Administrative Manager
Juan conducts his work in the administrative side of AEDC, streamlining office operations and overseeing day to day functions. Whether it’s managing schedules, handling projects, or troubleshooting issues, he ensures AEDC stays on track and organized.
Juan is originally from New Jersey and moved to Anchorage in 2014. His hobbies include golf, fishing, and hiking around town – all while being an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at West Anchorage High School.