LAEDC Names New Chief

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., a nonprofit business support organization, Wednesday named Hollywood television executive William C. “Bill” Allen as its new president and chief executive.

Allen is president of Meadowlane Enterprises, which licenses a library of classic television series, and Meadowlane Music, a music catalog publisher. He will succeed Lee K. Harrington, who has held the position since 1995.

The organization said that under Harrington its business assistance program helped to retain or create more than 100,000 jobs in Los Angeles County. The organization also provides economic research and consults on land use and infrastructure projects.

Going forward, the organization hopes to be more involved in influencing public policy, Harrington said Wednesday.

“I truly believe that the vibrant, diverse and entrepreneurial L.A. business community has no greater friend or champion than the LAEDC,” Allen said in a statement.

Allen has been active in regional economic development for the last decade, serving as the first chief executive of the nonprofit Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley from 1997 to 2000, the LAEDC said.

In that role, Allen assembled a public-private partnership involving leading Valley cities, colleges and business organizations, developed regional marketing campaigns and launched programs to expand trade, improve local education and enhance workforce development programs, the LAEDC said.

Allen is the son of late entertainer Steve Allen and actress Jayne Meadows. He will assume his new post Jan. 16, when Harrington becomes vice chairman. Harrington plans to retire in June.