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A nonprofit that seeks economic development opportunities in Boone County announced Monday that it has a new leader.
Andrea Kern, who most recently worked with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, will be the CEO of the Boone County Economic Development Corp. Kern replaces Molly Whitehead, who left the Boone EDC in November after leading the organization for 10 years.
“[Kern’s] track record of developing and implementing high-impact programs, coupled with her passion for community-driven economic growth, will be instrumental in propelling Boone County forward,” Boone EDC Board of Directors President Shane Conner said in written remarks. “Under Andrea’s guidance, Boone EDC will expand its influence, strengthen its partnerships, and create even greater opportunities for businesses and residents alike.”
The Boone EDC is a nonprofit organization that looks for economic development opportunities and works with businesses, developers, consultants, real estate brokers, public officials and the community. In recent years, the Boone EDC has commissioned a housing study and utility-needs analysis to forecast the county’s population over the next quarter century and detail the housing impact, provided grants to upgrade historic buildings throughout the county and worked to attract companies to the county.
Kern was the director of strategic operations at the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs where she led statewide programs designed to strengthen communities, enhance economic opportunities and promote business retention.
She also led the PreservINg Main Street Program, programmed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Humanities, which provides grants to communities to revitalize historic downtown buildings.
Kern has also worked closely with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 grant selection process.
“The challenges we face—like housing, childcare and workforce development—aren’t solved in silos. The best solutions come when we bring people together, align our efforts and take action,” Kern said in written remarks. “Boone County has the talent, vision, and momentum to tackle these challenges head-on, and I can’t wait to get to work alongside this incredible community.”
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