MANSFIELD — The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) announced Tuesday the selection of Ellen Heinz as the next president & CEO.
The Chamber’s selection committee facilitated a search led by Kristine Lindeman, Vice President of Alumni Roofing, and Jake Penwell, President of Shelby CIC/Owner of Penwell Funeral Home.
Heinz currently serves as Ohio’s economic development representative at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. She brings a wealth of experience in economic development, collaboration and community engagement, the search committee stated.
“In her current role, she has excelled as the point for Ohio, earning national recognition for superior federal service,” the chamber stated.
Heinz’s extensive background includes roles such as Vice President of Corporate Development at Norweco and Safety Service Director for the City of Norwalk.
Her experiences range from launching talent development programs and innovative business initiatives to managing public safety services.
“We are excited to welcome Ellen to the executive leadership role of President/CEO of our organization,” Lindeman said. “Ellen’s passion for Richland County stems from having lived and worked here previously.
“She is relationship-driven, and we are confident this will accelerate her ability to reconnect while establishing new relationships. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the hiring process, and we are looking forward to introducing Ellen to our Richland County communities.”
Penwell said the board is excited to welcome Heinz to the chamber.
“Her track record of success, particularly in attracting investments and fostering community partnerships, aligns seamlessly with our goals for the future,” Penwell said.
Heinz has a master’s degree in education from Ashland University. She earned her Ohio Certified Economic Developer (OhioCED) credential in 2019.
Heinz was previously the director of workforce development at North Central State College, teaching at the secondary and post-secondary education levels. The educator also worked in Japan as an English as a Second Language instructor.
“I’m very excited to join the Richland Area Chamber team,” Heinz said. “I couldn’t ask for a better region of businesses, board members, team members, political leaders, community organizations and citizens to work with and serve in my new role.
“I look forward to working together with all of these wonderful stakeholders to bring about additional positive results, building on the success and collaboration currently taking place in the Richland area.”
Heinz also thanked her colleagues in the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Chicago Regional Office.
“Effective leadership and colleagues have helped me grow as a professional, and as a person and will add to what I bring into this exceptional role,” she said.
Heinz is working with the Chamber team to determine her start date for the new position. Greg Timberlake, a local consultant and former dean at North Central State College, has served as interim CEO since Jan. 1.
The Chamber announced its search for a new president and CEO in November after its former CEO Jodie Perry was elected mayor of Mansfield.
The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and RCDG are the leading business advocacy and economic development organizations in north central Ohio. With over 1,000 members, the Chamber supports business growth and building a business-friendly climate in the Richland County area.