The Dan Webster Award is a top honor for Florida’s rising leaders in economic development. Abigail Wagner of the Orlando Economic Partnership and Jackie Chang of the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office are the 2026 recipients. Photos: Florida Economic Development Council/Betsy Barfield.
ORLANDO — Two rising leaders in Florida’s economic development community were honored with the 2026 Dan Webster Award for Economic Development: Abigail Wagner, associate director of economic development for the Orlando Economic Partnership, and Jackie Chang, economic development coordinator at the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office. Both were selected for their demonstrated impact in advancing economic competitiveness, supporting business growth and strengthening communities across Florida.
U.S. Rep. Dan Webster’s distinguished career accomplishments includes economic development initiatives and the creation of The Corridor in 1996.
The Dan Webster Award is presented annually by in a partnership of The Corridor and the Florida Economic Development Council. The award has been presented since 2015.
“Abigail and Jackie represent the next generation of economic development leadership in Florida,” said Corridor CEO Paul Sohl“The Dan Webster Award recognizes individuals committed to building Florida’s future through thoughtful, strategic economic development. At The Corridor, we invest in the future of Florida, and there is no greater investment, with more potential impact, than investing in our emerging workforce.”
Named in honor of U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, the award recognizes emerging and mid career professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to the field. The award includes support for advanced professional development and continuing education. As a member of the Florida House of Representatives and a key leader who would go on to become Speaker of the Florida House, Webster played a significant role in the founding of the Florida High Tech Corridor in 1996.
Abigail Wagner supports company relocation and expansion projects in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.
Wagner’s work focuses on supporting relocation and expansion projects within Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando, with particular emphasis on the technology and entertainment sectors. She works closely with government and private sector partners to provide customized assistance to businesses, including site selection, workforce development, incentives, and strategic connections. A former business development associate with Florida Commerce, Wagner has played a key role in strengthening partnerships and promoting Florida as a destination for business investment.
In her application, Wagner cited her aspiration to pursue the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation as part of her long term professional growth. She emphasized her goal of becoming a trusted representative of Florida’s economic development ecosystem while expanding her ability to deliver measurable community impact through strategic planning and collaboration.
Chang was recognized for his broad portfolio and hands on leadership across industrial park operations, state grant administration, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Since joining the office, Chang has authored grant applications, led the creation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit to equitably distribute industrial park utility costs, and played a central role in outreach tied to major regional projects.
Chang’s work has also included contributions to Whiting Aviation Park, a first of its kind industrial park adjacent to a military base that now includes Leonardo Helicopters as an anchor tenant. The project, which culminated in a grand opening attended by the Governor of Florida, reflects Chang’s strength in managing complex, long term initiatives that blend economic growth with community benefit. Before transitioning into economic development, Chang worked in supply chain management and clinical operations while completing his MBA, experience that he credits with strengthening his analytical, project management, and cross functional coordination skills.
Jackie Chang has played a role in major regional projects in north Florida.
He is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in geographic information systems, with plans to leverage spatial analysis to enhance economic development strategy and site selection.
Award recipients were recognized during the FEDC summit attended by economic development practitioners, public sector leaders, and industry partners from across Florida. With their selection, Wagner and Chang join a distinguished group of Webster Award recipients who have gone on to leadership roles throughout Florida’s economic development ecosystem.