Indy Chamber named Jason Hestor its new chief economic development officer (CEDO).
Native Hoosier and Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Hector brings 25 years of experience in both economic and community development to the role, which he steps into on June 2. With Indy Chamber, Hestor will spearhead the Indy Partnership, driving regional business attraction strategy across Central Indiana while supporting and collaborating with local economic development offices on expansion efforts, according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the team at such a pivotal moment for the region,” Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of Indy Chamber, said in a statement. “His deep expertise, collaborative spirit and proven leadership will be essential as we work with partners across the Indy region, nation and globally to generate investment and create opportunity.”
Currently serving as president of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation, Hestor strengthened the area’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and foreign direct investment on initiatives, which yielded more than $1.8 billion in new investment and thousands of new jobs in Columbus, Edinburgh and Bartholomew County, Indiana.
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He holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and a degree in International Community Development from Oral Roberts University. He frequently speaks at national and regional events, advocating for “data-informed, inclusive economic strategies,” according to a press release.
Hestor has championed partnership-driving approaches that align regional strengths with global market opportunities throughout his career — including key roles with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and local governments. To date, these collective efforts secured more than $7.5 billion in direct capital investment and more than 44,000 new jobs in the state.
In his new role as CEDO, Hestor serves on Indy Chamber’s executive leaders team, guiding strategic initiatives which position the region to “compete globally and thrive locally.” Hestor’s work focuses on building relationships with key stakeholders, positioning assets across Central Indiana and illustrating Indianapolis as a “dynamic place for businesses and talent.”
“I’m honored to join the Indy Chamber at such a meaningful time,” Hester said in a statement. “The Indy region is home to passionate professionals doing remarkable work among world-leading companies and organizations, and I’m excited to see what the future holds, as together we build a stronger, more connected regional economy.”
Hestor’s appointment to the role “underscores the Indy Chamber’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the region’s economic resilience, convening partners and driving investment that benefits all communities across Central Indiana,” according to a press release.
For more information, visit indychamber.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
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