The Fulton County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is pleased to announce Matt Gilroy as Executive Director for their newly formed organization. A National, Regional and Local executive search was conducted in part by Job1USA as well as the FCEDC Membership. “Mr. Gilroy comes to the FCEDC with an extensive background that will allow him to ‘Hit the Ground Running,’” states Bruce Rumpf, Chief Executive Officer of Job1USA, FCEDC Executive Board Member and executive search team member. Rumpf noted that the new position attracted a wide range of candidates and believes that because of the tremendous work already done by those involved in the organization they were able to attract Mr. Gilroy.
Gilroy served as the Assistant Director for the Defiance County Economic Development Corporation from 2003-2006. His duties included overseeing various business incentive programs, business attraction and retention efforts, and workforce training issues. Additionally, he developed creative marketing tools and resources for the organization. Matt also served an internship as a research assistant for Defiance County Economic Development from 1999-2001, he was recruited to this role by his former Faculty Advisor at Defiance College, Jerry Hayes.
“Matt is an excellent fit for the Executive Director position with local ties in the business community. His background in regional economic development will greatly impact immediate and long term results of the FCEDC initiative,” states Scott Mirtes, FME-Industrial who serves as an Executive Board member for the FCEDC and was a part of the Executive Director search team. Gilroy has most recently served as the Chief Development Officer at Defiance College in which he was instrumental in developing a local business stewardship campaign and fundraising for major gifts from alumni, local business, vendors and others. Prior to his role at Defiance College, Matt served as the Executive Director at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital Foundation in which he raised funds for several unique programs and services that benefit the community, including Kaitlyn’s Cottage, a stand-alone respite center for young adults with special needs located on the campus of the Defiance Regional Hospital.
Matt maintains several volunteer roles as President of Defiance County Airport Authority Board, Board Member of Rotary Club of Defiance and serves as a Deacon at St. John’s United Church of Christ. He has also served as a Chairperson of Defiance County Workforce Investment Board, is Past President and charter member of Kiwanis of Defiance, Board member of the Defiance Area YMCA, Vice-President of Defiance Chapter of American Red Cross, and President of Defiance College Chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Matt currently resides in Defiance with his wife Jennie and daughter Teylan. He enjoys being outdoors, playing various sports and spending time with his family and their three dogs. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to join the FCEDC and lead the economic development efforts in Fulton County. I became interested in the position after speaking with several board members and reading about the way the organization would be structured in the newspaper, the private-public partnership will create new and exciting opportunities. The momentum that the FCEDC has is tremendous and a testimony to the leadership in Fulton County. My first priority will be to do whatever possible to maintain this energy, so it can be harnessed and unleashed at appropriate times to enhance the economy throughout the county,” Mr. Gilroy stated. “Jennie and I wish to become engrained in the fabric of the community in Fulton County and we will look to make a positive impact right away.”
The FCEDC is a newly formed private-public partnership that will carry out all facets of Economic Development for Fulton County. Private Businesses, Fulton County and the Fulton County Community Improvement Corporation are working together by means of financial support as well as leadership of the organization. The organization is comprised of a board of directors who will oversee the Executive Director as well as the general membership of the organization. The organization consists of teams of members who will focus on the following areas: Membership, Marketing and Publicity, Events, Current Member Development, New Business Development, Workforce Development/Education and Community Outreach. For those interested in learning more about the organization, or becoming involved, contact Rich Menzel, Executive Board President at FCEDC at 419-822-2219 or via email at rich.menzel@nsbsl.com.