RICHLAND COUNTY — Ellen Heinz said working in her new North Mulberry Street office felt like coming home.
The Saginaw, Michigan native started her new job as the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development president and CEO on March 25. She previously worked for the Richland Economic Development Corporation and for North Central State College.
“It’s really been a pleasure to come back to Richland County,” Heinz said at Wednesday’s welcome reception. “I’m excited and so energized to be back here.
“You truly have a wonderful team here, and it’s so obvious when you walk into a community if there’s wonderful collaboration going on. When I left here, there were great partners working together, but they’ve certainly elevated that and taken it to a new level.”
The Chamber board announced its search for a new president and CEO after former chief operating officer Jodie Perry was elected mayor.
Heinz said she heard about the chamber’s leadership search from Jessica Johnson, professional recruitment manager at Spherion Mid Ohio.
“In the sourcing process, we found Ellen and thought she was excellent,” Johnson said. “I was searching for anyone who had chamber or economic development background, and luckily Ellen answered.
“The fact that she has roots and ties in Richland County went a long way in that she already had pride in this community. I’m excited to see all the things she does.”
Heinz experienced in government, business & nonprofit management
Heinz’s most recent job was as the economic development representative for Ohio and Indiana in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
She also previously served as the city of Norwalk’s safety-service director and worked for the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.
She has worked in the public and private sectors in manufacturing, human resources, economic and workforce development.
Heinz received a master’s degree in education from Ashland University and was the workforce development director at North Central State College from 2005-2007. She also taught in Ashland City Schools and was an English as a second language instructor in Nagoya, Japan.
Mayor Perry said she looks forward to working with Heinz to grow Mansfield’s resources.
“I’m really excited for her and the steps forward the chamber will take under her leadership,” Perry said. “I think she’s going to be a great partner in economic development for the city and county.”
Heinz earned her Ohio Certified Economic Developer (OhioCED) credential in 2019. She also won two national awards in 2023 for her role in supporting communities and exceptional customer service.
“I’m thankful to be here and look forward to building on the great success that the chamber team has already built,” Heinz said. “I’d like to elevate Richland County to the next level and tap into the great resources here.”