The Delaware County Commissioners today announced they have hired a new Economic Development Administrator. Chadwick “Chad” Smith, who previously headed the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and filled roles with the Ohio Department of Development, returns to Central Ohio after seven years with the U.S. Department of State where he most recently served as an economic officer in their Bureau of Energy Resources.
“While Chad’s roots in Central Ohio are obviously a big plus, his broad range of experience with global markets, particularly in East Asia, enhances the strength of Delaware County’s position as we continue to compete for new business partners,” said Delaware County Administrator Tracie Davies.
Smith, a U.S Navy veteran, earned his bachelor’s degree in international studies and his M.B.A. from The Ohio State University. He also earned a master’s degree in international relations from the International University of Japan. He joined the Ohio Department of Development in 2007, working as an international business manager for the Asian markets, as executive director of the ODOD’s Ohio Tax Credit Authority, as the Deputy Chief for the ODOD’s Energy Office and Director of the ODOD’s Ohio Coal Development Office. He joined the U.S. Department of State in 2018 where, in addition to his work in energy resources, he was a Vice Consul in Cambodia and a Political Officer in Australia.
County Commissioner Barb Lewis, president of this year’s board, said Smith’s hiring “is a high-profile addition on a par with Delaware County’s rising stature in global business. We are very excited to welcome Chad to our team.”
For more information about Delaware County’s Economic Development Department, go to: https://economicdevelopment.co.delaware.oh.us/.