After growing up in the Tri-Cities area, Jake Elder pursued his BS in economics from the University of South Carolina and master’s in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. With a long background in economic and community development experience at the local government level as well as previous work in construction, Elder has honed his skills in guiding the business and development community through complex processes to successfully achieve their project goals. He has worked with many companies, both large and small, to open or expand in the City of Hopewell as well as Chesterfield County. Following more than 10 years of this work in local governments, in 2026, Elder joined Google as a Data Center Strategic Negotiator in Land Development.

Occupation

Data Center Strategic Negotiator in Land Development, Google

Work History:

• Deputy Director – Development Services, Chesterfield Economic Development (2018-2026)
• Economic Development Specialist, City of Hopewell, Virginia (2015-2018)
• Office Assistant & Construction Laborer, Virginia Concrete Construction Company (2011-2015)

Education

• BS in Economics, University of South Carolina
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Virginia Commonwealth University

Activities, Associations and Volunteer Work

• Board Member, BrightPoint Community College Real Estate Foundation