Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, which serves Wayne and surrounding counties, has a new executive director.
Clara Judd started her role in mid-December.
She’ll aim to create opportunities for growth and future partnerships with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. According to a news release, Judd will pursue federal funding that will benefit the region EIRPC serves, which also includes Fayette, Henry, Randolph, Union and Rush counties.
EIRPC, a nonprofit organization started in 2016, is based in Connersville at the Economic Development Group office.
The work that went into creating and developing EIRPC has greatly improved collaboration between county members, stakeholders and decision makers, according to its 2023-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Judd has a strong background in business, marketing, sales and customer service, including a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Ball State University, the release said.
EIRPC officials note Judd has excelled in diverse roles within sales and customer service, earning a reputation for strategic thinking, team building and fostering lasting client relationships.
Gertrud Whitaker has stepped down from her role as EIRPC’s executive director after serving two years during a transitional time with the organization.
Whitaker contributed significantly to EIRPC’s development, the release noted, culminating with the approval of a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Dept of Commerce’s EDA for infrastructure improvements at Cambridge City’s Gateway Industrial Park.
Wayne County Commissioner Jeff Plasterer currently serves as the county’s representative on EIRPC.
For more information about EIRPC and its leadership, visit easternindianarpc.org.
A version of this article appeared in the January 8 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.