Revitalize Richmond, a five-year Earlham College-led initiative to spur economic growth in Richmond’s core, has named John Przybysz as its first director of small business success.
A lifelong Richmond resident, Przybysz brings a background in strategic marketing, business development and entrepreneurship to the newly created role, according to a news release. He most recently worked as a marketing specialist at Reid Health and also runs a family-owned small business. Przybysz holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
In this new position, Przybysz will lead efforts to support and grow small businesses in downtown Richmond. His responsibilities include advising entrepreneurs, coordinating programming, fostering partnerships and helping revitalize downtown commercial spaces. The position is funded through the Revitalize Richmond grant program and supported by local partners.
“I’m honored to step into this role and contribute to something truly transformational for Richmond,” Przybysz said. “As someone who grew up here and is raising a family here, I believe deeply in our community’s potential.”
Dakota Collins, Earlham’s director of community relations, praised Przybysz’s mix of strategic skills and community ties. “He’s already built strong relationships across sectors in Richmond, and now he’ll be able to use that experience to help small businesses grow, thrive and fill the storefronts of our downtown.”
Learn more at revitalizerichmond.com.
A version of this article appeared in the August 6 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.