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Last updated on Tuesday, December 9, 2014
(GREENE CO.) -The Board of Directors of the Greene County Economic Development Corporation has announced new leadership, appointing long-time GCEDC Community Development lead, Brianne Jerrels, to be Executive Director.
In light of budgetary constraints, the Board voted to terminate the employment agreement with the current executive director, Joan Bethell, on December 3, 2014. Relations continue to be amicable and negotiations are in process for Bethell to provide consulting services to the new director on an as needed basis.
Jerrels began her career with GCEDC in January 2008. She completed her education in economic development through Oklahoma University's Economic Development Institute (EDI) as well as Ball State University's Basic Economic Development Course and plans to sit for the Certified Economic Developer Exam through the International Economic Development Corporation.
"The Board of Directors of Greene County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) looks forward to working with Brianne, and we have confidence in her ability to do the job in furthering economic development in Greene County," said GCEDC Board President, Brian Sparks, CEO, UDWI/REMC.
Since 2012, Jerrels has administered the Revolving Loan Fund, a program provided through USDA, and has successfully secured $99,500 in funding to help with the expansion of small businesses in Greene County.
A strong advocate for Greene County communities, Jerrels has worked extensively with Indiana State Government, supporting local cities and towns through downtown revitalization planning, the Indiana Main Street program, and the HomeTown Competitiveness Initiative. Jerrels also serves as the Greene County Community Coordinator for the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration and Vice President of the Greene County Purdue Extension. She serves on numerous boards and organizations, including the Greene County Tourism Advisory Board, Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce Board, and the newly formed Indiana College Success Coalition in Greene County.
In her new role as Executive Director, Jerrels will also have a regional role to play. She will serve on the board of Radius Indiana, the eight-county economic development organization that includes Greene County, and participate in the council of economic development leaders from the Radius region.
"The release of the Southwest Central Indiana Strategic Plan is a huge opportunity for Greene County," Jerrels said. "This is a plan that has brought together all the key players from an 11-county region and has given us a clear path forward to make the most of our assets. I am particularly excited about the workforce development and education pieces of the plan. Everything in economic development is related, and filling the pipeline in Greene County and our entire region with a skilled, reliable workforce is one of the most important things we can do to support the employers we have and hopefully attract more in the future."
Jerrels is a lifelong resident of Greene County, where she and her husband, Tom, live in rural Linton with their 3 children, Gillyan, Abram, and Jed.
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