Medford Names First Economic Development Director

MEDFORD, MA — Medford has named Viktor Schrader its first Economic Development Director, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced this week. Schrader will play a pivotal role in advancing city policies and projects, including the Comprehensive Master Planning process slated to begin in the new year.

Schrader will work to attract businesses and other economic development opportunities to the city, as well as serve as a resource to existing businesses that are looking to grow, expand or need assistance. He will also collaborate with state and federal partners to connect new and existing businesses with resources.

"Filling this position has remained a top priority for my administration from day one," Lungo-Koehn said. "I am excited to have Viktor join the team and continue to build on the hard work already begun at City Hall and with the Office of Community Development. Viktor’s experience and personality are a great fit for the city of Medford, and I'm looking forward to what is in store."

The Economic Development Director role was established as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget process. Schrader, who joins the administration in January, has served for nearly a decade as the Economic Development Director for the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation in Oak Park, IL.

In Oak Park, Schrader focused on commercial revitalization, development, business recruitment and small business support, bringing in more than $600 million in private investment, 200,000 square feet of new commercial leases, 1,600 new residential units, and numerous new businesses, restaurants, breweries and retailers.

"I am honored to be joining the City of Medford and look forward to supporting all of the great work being done by the Mayor, City leadership, staff, and the community at large," Schrader said in a statement.

In addition to his work in Oak Park, Schrader was the Marketing Manager for the Uptown Renewal Office in the town of Normal, IL, and previously served as a Community Development Specialist in the United State Peace Corps, where, among other projects, he helped establish the first mayor's office in Western Samoa.

Schrader is a Maine native and graduate of Northeastern University in Boston.