New President/CEO of
Muncie-Delaware County Chamber and
Chief Economic Development Officer Hired
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In what can only be characterized as a thorough and exhaustive search which included over 80 qualified candidates from 25 states, as well as 12 outstanding local resumes, the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced today the hiring of Jay Julian, a veteran of economic development positions in East Central Indiana, for its position as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Chamber of Commerce.
“Jay brings the right combination of experience and enthusiasm needed for this critical position to our area’s future,” said Tom Kinghorn, Ball State University Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer and co-chair of the eight-member search committee.
“Jay is the right person at the right time,” added Steve Anderson, retired CEO of First Merchants Corporation and search committee co-chair. “He’s a consensus builder with the charisma to attract new business.”
The vetting process began in February, but only after a rewriting of the position’s job description. Interviews of over 30 community members assisted in a complete examination of duties and direct reports of the position and recommended more focus for the job. Most notable is that the Horizon Convention Center will no longer be a part of this position’s oversight.
“I’m thrilled to have been selected but am even more thrilled to be able to represent a business community with such strong traditions of success and so many assets to tout to the world,” said Julian. Julian was most recently the Executive Director of Development Services for the City of Marion and has held similar positions in Anderson.
“In some ways I’ve been competing with Muncie, and I’ve always been jealous of all you have to offer. From a top-flight university to world class healthcare and a spirit of philanthropy that leads the nation, Muncie and Delaware County deserve to have a flourishing business community,” said Julian.
After posting the position early in the year, the search committee reviewed resumes weekly. The committee consisted of Kinghorn and Anderson; Charlie Sursa, Financial Advisor with Raymond James & Associates and current chair of the Chamber board; Dave Heeter, CEO of Mutual Bank and immediate past chair of the Chamber board; Tara Smalstig, partner at Dennis, Wenger and Abrell and incoming chair of the Chamber board; Pete Walters, Vice President of Saint-Gobain Container and immediate past chair of the DAC board; Steve Smith, president of Mid-West Metal and current chair of the DAC board; and Billie Sheppard, District Manager of the Marion Social Security Administration office and incoming chair of the DAC Board.
Once the resumes were narrowed to the top 12, two-way video teleconference interviews or in-person interviews were conducted. The pool was then narrowed to four candidates whose references were scoured while additional research was completed. Two candidates were invited to the community for a two-day session which included presentations to both the Chamber and DAC boards, tours of the community and visits with community leaders.
“This has been an incredibly thorough process,” said Heeter. “Our work will pay dividends. We have a quality leader.”
Charlie Sursa, current chair of the Chamber board added, “Not only has the process been rigorous, but it’s been inclusive as well. Government officials, business leaders, not-for-profit leaders and concerned citizens have been consulted throughout this process. All of us have good reason to rally around Jay.”
Julian’s start date is July 1. “While I sincerely believe that leadership can make a difference, I also know that in order to put this community on the map the way it wants to be on the map all stakeholders in this community’s future must work together and be truly committed to making Muncie and Delaware County all they can be.”
