New coordinator

East Central Indiana Regional Planning District didn’t have to look too far for its next community coordinator.

Darlesia Lee, a Jay County resident, is the new assistant director of regional economic development and planning at East Central Indiana Regional Planning District. (The organization contracts with Jay County for Lee’s role as community coordinator and other projects.) Lee started training for the role Feb. 3 and took on duties a few weeks ago. This month she has worked alongside community coordinator Nate Kimball, whose last day was Friday.

“I have always been a proponent for community, period,” said Lee. “This is home …”

Lee has an associate’s degree in business management. She owns visual media company Enario Studio, which specializes in photography and videography, and has organized Haute Harvest High Fashion Show for the last few years. 

“I’m always out to find how people are doing things, what’s working for different communities, and see if I can bring it back home,” said Lee.

Her work history in Portland includes serving as project manager and social media marketer for Dynamic Business Solutions and social media marketer for Adams Physical Therapy Services.

Lee serves on the Minnetrista Board of Trustees in Muncie.

Lee talked about attending various community meetings over the years, finding ways to share her input, get involved and make connections. She recalled stopping by Kimball’s office when he started as community coordinator for Jay County in summer 2023.

“(East Central Indiana Regional Planning District) just saw the passion I had for it,” she said. “It was something that I was invited to the table to see if it would be a good fit, and I asked a lot of questions, and everything fit. It seemed like it would, yeah, be perfect for me.”

East Central Indiana Regional Planning District executive director Bill Walters noted Lee’s background in Jay County. He said the organization felt that “she was a perfect fit.”

“She is a very outgoing person, so she fit the role of what is needed very well,” he said. “She’s really community oriented — I mean, if you have a conversation with her for more than five minutes, you can really see the passion run out of her.”

“I think (East Central Indiana Regional Planning District) is very fortunate to have found her and had her join our team, I can see her doing a lot of good things, she is self driven self motivated, and like I said, she has a passion for working in the community and making things happen, and that is a very strong positive,” he added.

Lee noted she is pursuing the same level of economic development and community development education that Kimball has earned, with Lee to take part in Ball State University certification classes in May and November.

As community coordinator, she’ll be handling Jay County’s owner-occupied rehabilitation (OOR) program, a $1 million effort to repair homes with new roofs, heating systems or other necessities.

Lee said she’s also focused on business retention and working with business owners as well as seeking out projects Jay communities would like to complete.

“I just need them to come to me and express what they would love to see,” she said. 

From there, Lee can work with East Central Indiana Regional Planning District officials and grant writers to secure funding and make those dreams a reality.

She advocated for individuals to stop by her office and talk with her. Lee’s office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Community Resource Center, 118 S. Meridian St., Portland.

Kimball expressed his excitement for Lee in taking over the position.

“I think she’s going to do a great job,” said Kimball. “I think that a lot of people, we’ve seen a lot of good strides in people wanting to be able to work with her and work with (East Central Indiana Regional Planning District), which is really great. I’m excited to be able to see what might be able to happen long-term.”