CARLSBAD – One of the largest economies in the region will have a new director of economic development.
Tess Sangster will step into the role of economic development director for the City of Carlsbad, according to an announcement from City Manager Geoff Patnoe.
Carlsbad’s economy of more than 10,500 active businesses, including 6,700 brick and mortar ones, generated $18.6 billion in 2025, according to city data. That represents the second-largest gross regional product within San Diego County, after the city of San Diego.
“I knew we needed a strong leader to guide our economic development efforts in Carlsbad, and I’m thrilled to welcome someone with Tess’s tremendous reputation, talent and creativity to advance the city’s economic development initiatives,” said Patnoe in the release.
Sangster is scheduled to fill the role on April 13, according to a news release. She will fill the seat vacated in March by Matt Sanford, who left to lead the East County Economic Development Council.
Sangster comes from the City of San Marcos, where she had worked on business attraction, retention, marketing and other revitalization efforts for the last 10 years, according to the release.
The Claremont McKenna College graduate and Carlsbad native served as the executive director of the Cardiff 101 Main Street Association prior to that.
Carlsbad’s economy includes a mixture of new and old businesses. More than 5,000 businesses opened within the last five years, but over 1,200 have been operating for more than 20 years, according to the release.
The majority of firms qualify as small businesses, with 85% having 10 or fewer employees and 94% having fewer than 25.
The biggest industries are tourism; life sciences; technology and environmental technology; and sports or active lifestyle.
“Growing up in Carlsbad, I am so excited to now serve the community where I was raised,” said Sangster in the release. “From thriving tourism, to growing industries, and a vibrant small business community, my goal is to continue to build upon and grow the economic development landscape in Carlsbad.”
