DELAWARE, Ohio — The Delaware County Commissioners today announced the hiring of Monica Conners, CEcD, as the county’s new Economic Development Director. Conners, currently based in St. Louis, Mo., will join the county Monday, Oct. 3.
Conners most recently has worked as a business development executive, attracting companies to Missouri. She also has served as the vice president of business development and workforce innovation for the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Her private-industry experience includes stints in real estate and banking. She has earned her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification from the International Economic Development Council, which is the world’s largest professional organization for economic developers.
“We are very excited to welcome our new economic development director who brings with her a national profile of success in working with blue-chip businesses,” said County Commissioner Barb Lewis, president of this year’s board. “It is a real coup to attract someone of Monica’s caliber and expertise to lead the County’s economic development efforts and our team is very much looking forward to supporting her.”
The county engaged The Montrose Group, a Columbus-based consulting firm, to manage the search. A diverse group of community and regional stakeholders, as well as representatives from the agribusiness, retail, development and utilities industries, also participated in the selection process.
“The search for our new Economic Development Director has been extensive and perhaps took longer than we would have preferred,” said Commissioner Gary Merrell. “But our goal from the outset was to get the right person who could build on the work of previous leadership. We believe we have that with Monica and we look forward to creating more job opportunities and diversifying our tax base further under her leadership.”
Commissioner Jeff Benton said Conners’ hiring comes at an ideal time.
“As we position ourselves to capitalize on the regional opportunities presented by Intel’s arrival,” Benton said, “having an economic development professional of Monica’s caliber on our team sends a strong message to the business community that they can count on collaboration and professionalism when dealing with Delaware County. It was clear from getting to know Monica that she understands the value of building relationships and that will be critical for continued success here.”
Conners will report to County Administrator Tracie Davies. The Economic Development Department is part of the Commissioners’ Office.
For more information about Delaware County, please visit the website at: https://co.delaware.oh.us/.
