State names new director of ag economic development
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The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has promoted David Coates to director of the economic development division. Coates previously served as the department’s agribusiness engagement director.
In his new role, the ISDA says Coates will be responsible for managing staff and overseeing economic focus areas like agritourism, biofuels, hardwoods, the Indiana Grown program, international trade and livestock.
“We are excited to promote David to this elevated role within the department,” said Jordan Seger, deputy director of the ISDA. “The expertise he brings in workforce development and training and in sales will greatly enhance our economic development division and we are excited to see how he supports our existing programs and what new initiatives he builds under this division.”
In addition, Coates will manage projects and initiatives aimed at encouraging agribusiness expansion, attraction and retention for the state.
“I am eager to hit the ground running and support those on my team to make Indiana agriculture the best it can be,” said Coates. “I am looking forward to the continued success of our agriculture industry for years to come.”
The ISDA says Coates will also lead the entire organization in aligning its strategies to coordinate with the Indiana Economic Development Corp.’s agribusiness, agbiosciences and agriculture workforce development efforts.