JCDC reviews details of job

Jay County Development Corporation will begin its search for a new director of community development soon.

The organization’s board discussed the position Tuesday during its first meeting of 2021 with board members slated to review the job description in the coming days. JCDC executive director Travis Richards said he plans to begin advertising for the position next week.

The director of community development position has been open since Nov. 14 when Ami Huffman announced her resignation.

The job description remains much the same as it was when Huffman was hired a decade and a half ago. It includes items such as collaborating with communities to develop community plans, promoting volunteerism, researching and applying for grants, providing support for fundraising initiatives associated with community development projects and helping to develop ties between local communities and organizations. Additional language was added to include supporting communities through the grant process and assisting Main Street organizations, reflecting duties Huffman had already taken on in the role.

“In general, I think this job description that was written in 2005 is still pretty appropriate for what we’re doing and what we want to do,” said Richards.

There was brief discussion about the job description’s “preference” that the prospective employee either be a Jay County resident or be willing to relocate to Jay County. Board members Ron Laux and Mike Medler indicated their preference to hire the best candidate regardless of residency. Angela Paxson pointed out that the job is not a 9-to-5 type and requires community engagement on evenings and weekends. Board members agreed the job description is written in a way that provides enough flexibility for them to weigh those issues.

The position will be advertised locally as well as on the Indiana Economic Development Association website. The board did not set a timeline for when it would like to have the position filled.

Huffman’s resignation came after a few weeks of controversy over a comment she made in a private Facebook group — a screenshot of the post was later circulated publicly — regarding the Oct. 25 “American Patriots Day” event in Portland. She had been in the role since August 2005.

Richards also updated on the board on various developments since its last meeting in October. He noted that there was work done at the former Pennville Elementary School with a goal of having it available for events soon. He also said JCDC representatives have met with three potential housing developers in the last few months, though currently no projects are imminent.

Also Tuesday, the board:

•Approved Jay County Commissioner Brian McGalliard and Rob Keisling of Indiana Michigan Power as new members, replacing former commissioner Chuck Huffman and Ashley Savieo of I&M.

•Heard from Gyneth Augsburger of Jay County Visitors and Tourism Bureau that the Jay County Fiber Arts Festival that was scheduled for March has been canceled. She said a virtual event is being planned.