Our Team
WESA's team of dedicated professionals who share the vision to make a difference
Dr. Huston Pullen
Executive Director
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Dr. Huston Pullen, DBA, is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in business administration, economic development, and academia. As Co-Executive Director of the World Economic Support Agency (WESA), he oversees global initiatives to drive economic growth and community development through strategic partnerships and practical solutions. With a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in International Management and Entrepreneurship, he has led programs in entrepreneurship, international trade, and technology integration, aligning them with the needs of diverse markets and communities. In addition to his executive roles, Huston is an educator and consultant with a strong focus on applied business education. He teaches business, marketing, and entrepreneurship at leading universities, where he develops practical curricula and organizes international study experiences to enhance global perspectives. Huston has also led large-scale economic development projects, founded ventures in creative industries, and supported organizational change initiatives. His work is centered on creating sustainable solutions that benefit businesses, communities, and students alike.
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Barbra Coffee
Board Chair
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Barbra Coffee is a seasoned economic development professional with a proven track record of success in revitalizing cities and driving job growth. She currently serves as the Director of Economic Initiatives for the City of Tucson, AZ, where she oversees a wide range of initiatives, including business attraction, retention, and expansion, as well as small business development. Prior to her role in Tucson, Barbra held leadership positions in economic development for the cities of Henderson, NV, and College Park, GA. She has been instrumental in recruiting major companies, launching innovative programs like the Henderson Unmanned Vehicle Range and the AZ Stitch Lab, and revitalizing urban areas. Barbra is actively involved in professional organizations, including the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), where she serves on the Board of Directors. She holds a B.S. in Radio-TV-Film, a Master of Liberal Arts in International Studies, and certifications in economic development.
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Dr. Janet Runge
Board Member
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Dr. Janet Runge is a pioneer in creating challenging and unconventional ways for University of Nevada Las Vegas students to channel their entrepreneurial spirit. She is the architect and coordinator of the UNLV Lee Business School signature program, the Global Entrepreneurship Experience. Dr. Runge taught the first entrepreneurship course ever offered at UNLV. She founded and began operation of the UNLV Center for Entrepreneurship in 2006. She developed and established an interdisciplinary undergraduate entrepreneurship major in 2006 and followed that with a minor in entrepreneurship available to every student at UNLV. She also developed an interdisciplinary entrepreneurship concentration for the MBA curriculum and helped develop the Lee Business School's Executive MBA program. Dr. Runge developed and directs the Small Business Leadership Academy in partnership with Cox Communications Diversity Council. The program supports diverse small firms seeking growth. Outside her responsibilities at UNLV, Dr. Runge has served as Treasurer for the Nevada Council on Economic Education and Vice-Chair of the Nevada District Export Council. She served on the Board of Directors for Quality Systems Registrars, Inc. and the Advisory Board for UI Global Brands. Dr. Runge completed an MBA at the University of New Orleans and her Ph.D. at Louisiana State University. She consults with start-ups, small businesses, family firms, and not-for-profits.
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Evan Needham
Executive Director
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Mr. Evan Needham is a dedicated and transparent leader in business operations with substantial experience in organizational development and operational planning. As Co-Executive Director of the World Economic Support Agency (WESA), he oversees the design and implementation of global initiatives that foster economic growth, community development and sustainability through practical solutions. As an active duty Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, with numerous combat operations in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom he fulfilled various critical leadership positions conducting strategic planning, implementation and oversite. Mr. Needham transitioned from the Marine Corps into the corporate sector with oversite on global operations and projects resulting in critical economic advancement and sustainability. Mr. Needham studied in business management and administration paving the pathway towards becoming a dedicated entrepreneur in business development. With a deep understanding of economics and challenges that communities face, he has dedicated his focus to make it his mission to rewrite the future for underserved communities in distress by creating opportunities, solutions, and strategic plans that drives economic sustainability and growth.
Dr. Bill Lightfoot
Board Member
With experience in high tech, education, and social entrepreneurship, Bill mentors leaders, guiding teams through strategic planning and radical change. He has also founded or served as a core member of founding teams for several ventures in education, economic development, and digital media. Having lived on three continents he has worked with diverse people from 100+ countries. He has a BSEE from Bucknell University, an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill, and a PHD in Organization and Management from Capella University. Certified as a coach and change management professional, Bill has been recognized as one of the top 7 coaches of leaders and emerging leaders by the online coaching platform Growthspace. He currently serves as the Dean for the College of Business at Westcliff University.
Greg Stephany
Board Member
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Greg is a recent retiree with most of his experience working in a variety of international capacities with the start of his international career providing consulting services for domestic and international businesses as well as governmental entities interested in entering or expanding operations in foreign markets. The final years of his career was spent in Higher Education leading several offices which provide study abroad opportunities to university students as well as founding and running a business, administering international programs on behalf of a number of both public and private institutions. Having spent a great deal of his life traveling and living abroad, he now spends most of his time overseas working with businesses, charities and Universities around the world.​
Keith Wingate
Board Member
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Keith is a seasoned media consultant and marketing leader with over three decades of experience spanning radio, cable, and telecommunications. Currently, he contributes to a major private telecom provider reaching six million homes and businesses across 18 states. He has held sales and leadership roles in markets including Norfolk, Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, Memphis, and Las Vegas, NV.
He earned his Executive MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University. He also shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at UNLV’s Lee Business School, Resident Mentor for the Global Entrepreneurial Experience Program and serves as a member LBS Community Advisory Board.
Recognized for his professional achievements and community contributions, Mr. Wingate was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2014 and has received multiple industry honors.​