The Grant County Economic Growth Council’s board of directors appointed an interim executive director Tuesday. The move came after former Executive Director Charity Bailey abruptly left to pursue other opportunities.
“On behalf of the board of directors, we thank Charity for her years of service at the Growth Council, and we wish her well in her next venture,” said Adrienne Rines Hammond, board president, in a press release provided to the Chronicle-Tribune.
The council announced Jacob Everett as the interim executive director on Tuesday. Everett is the founder of Corsa Strategies, a site selection and incentive advisory service. Rines Hammond said Everett is familiar with the community because he used to work in Blackford County, a neighbor of Grant County.
“He is not a stranger to what economic development looks like in this area and in this region,” she said. “So, we think that’s a positive thing.”
Rines Hammond said it’s important for the council to have a “qualified economic development professional” serve as the executive director. She believes Everett has a broad background of experience, so that, paired with his familiarity of the area, led them to him.
“I think it’s going to be a smoother transition,” Rines Hammond said. “I’m aware that some of the local folks have met him before, so I think it’s good to have that familiar face, and it makes it a smoother transition for everyone as we work through thi
She also added that the council has a lot of projects right now, so it’s important for Everett to “hit the ground running.” The council is in the middle of working on its strategic plan, which Everett will have to analyze and make recommendations on with the Veridus Group, a strategic planning consulting firm.
The organization is also planning its investors appreciation event for businesses investing in the community, with an event in August honoring nonprofit investment in the community as well.
Rines Hammond said the board of directors, especially officers like herself, work closely with the directors, so she is looking forward to working with him.
“Board members may go [on] on-site visits with [Everett] if that particular board member is a good fit for that visit,” Rines Hammond said. “It’s going to be a pretty close relationship there, and I think they’re already doing a good job of getting to know and interact with each other.”
The economic growth council is searching for a full-time executive director, and the official posting will be available at grantcounty.com.