The Board of Directors of the Grant County Economic Growth Council announced the selection of Chuck Binkerd as the organization’s next executive director Thursday.
The announcement follows an extensive nationwide search to fill this critical role.
“Chuck is an established and respected leader in Grant County with a history of delivering results that move the private and public sectors forward,” said Bill Rock, Mayor of Gas City. “His consummate professionalism and commitment to collaboration position the Growth Council and our community for success.”
Binkerd brings to the role decades of experience working with public infrastructure and is recognized for his expertise in the areas of change management and organizational culture. His background includes education in Change Leadership and Intrapreneurship through Cornell University as well as technical training from the University of Wisconsin, Penn State University, and Ivy Tech Community College related to utilities infrastructure.
“We are ecstatic to have found such a fantastic professional to lead the organization and the Grant County community into the future,” commented Ronald Morrell, Jr., Mayor of the City of Marion. “As we begin this new chapter, there is no doubt that Chuck will drive collaboration and innovation that yield positive results for the residents and businesses in Grant County.”
Binkerd has more than 40 years of experience working in and around local government and economic development. He has been a part of Marion Utilities’ leadership team for more than two decades, serving as the Executive Director since 2012.
Binkerd has been a member of the City of Marion’s Community Revitalization Enhancement District Board for more than 20 years, holding the role of President for the past decade.
He has been involved with the Grant County Economic Growth Council for more than a decade. Binkerd previously led utilities for the Grissom Redevelopment Authority and the City of Peru, Indiana.
Steve Wright, Grant County Commissioner remarked, “Chuck’s decades-long experience with utilities is incredibly valuable given the fundamental connection between utilities and economic development. His existing relationships and ability to build new ones both locally and across the state will help move Grant County forward.”
Over the coming months, Binkerd will be transitioning out of his current role and into the executive director position.
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