JCDC chooses Richards

Jay County Development Corporation has a new leader.

In a press release this morning, JCDC board president Duane Sautbine announced that Travis Richards has been hired as the organization’s new executive director. The board met in executive session Wednesday night.

“His presentation that he gave to the executive group was polished. He had a plan,” said Sautbine of what he felt made Richards stand out. “I think the other thing that kind of led me his way was his desire to improve the county, to make the county better. That was kind of refreshing.”

Richards currently serves as plant manager for Fort Recovery Industries’ casting plant in Portland. He is also the owner of Jay Custom Furnishings.

He is a Jay County High School graduate who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tri-State University.

“I am excited about this new chapter for both the Jay County Development Corporation and myself,” Richards said in the press release. “The board and I share a commitment to our community that, coupled with the new strategic plan, will allow us to positively impact growth and development in the county.”

Richards could not be reached for additional comment before press time today.

He becomes the organization’s fourth executive director as he takes over the role from Bill Bradley, who left JCDC in June to become president/CEO of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation. Bradley had been with JCDC for 11 years, following previous executive directors Richard Heupel and Bob Quadrozzi.

Richards was one of three finalists for the job from a field of eight applicants.