The Noble County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board of directors has hired Gary Gatman as executive director effective February 24.

“We had outstanding interviews with all candidates and feel we have chosen a good leader to take the Noble County EDC to the next level.,” said Kendallville Mayor SuzAnne Handshoe, president of the EDC board. There were about a dozen applicants for the position vacated by Rick Sherck’s retirement in December.

”I love being part of the Noble County community,” says Gatman. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the county as part of the EDC team.”

Gatman has been a resident of Noble County for about eight years and is active with many area boards and organizations. As a member of the EDC board of directors for the past two years, Gatman is already familiar with the organization’s range of activities. Beyond his role with the EDC, Gatman has a wide range of business experience including running his own company for the past three years with his wife, Pattie. He has five years of human resource experience with a major steel processing facility and worked in economic and workforce development for more than two decades.

“The EDC plays an important role in supporting the economic health of Noble County and I am looking forward to working with other organizations, community leaders and employers to ensure that the EDC is successful in providing this support,” Gatman said.

Gatman will be utilizing his track record of developing collaborative efforts with key partners in furthering regional efforts with Noble County communities. Gatman added, “The team at the EDC has done an amazing job during this transition in leadership and I am looking forward to working with them to do really positive things for Noble County.”

The Noble County Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that provides coordinated economic development resources for business and industry while promoting the assets of Noble County.