Winnecke to lead Evansville economic development group
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Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has his next step in place after leaving office at the end of the year. The three-term mayor is set to become the next CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, or E-REP, beginning in January.
The appointment of Winnecke, who last year announced he would not seek a fourth term, was unanimously approved by the E-REP executive committee.
Winnecke will succeed Tara Barney, who in July announced she would retire from the role in 2024.
The organization said in a news release that Winnecke is “uniquely positioned to lead E-REP into the next era of economic growth and innovation.”
“Lloyd’s proven leadership and dedication to not only Evansville but the entire region makes him the ideal choice to carry on the unbelievable work of Tara and E-REP,” Chair Curt Begle said. “As we look to the future, we are confident that Lloyd’s expertise will build upon the high value E-REP has created and will continue that trajectory.”
Winnecke is an Evansville native and graduate of the University of Evansville. His first official day at E-REP will be Jan. 8.
Barney previously served as president and CEO of the Southwest Indiana Chamber, which joined forces with the Growth Alliance of Greater Evansville and the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana to form E-REP.
She initially served as co-CEO of E-REP along with Greg Wathen and was named the organization’s sole CEO in September 2021.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to lead the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership and work in an industry I love,” said Barney. “Lloyd is the right leader to continue the important work of moving the Evansville region forward and has been part of implementing E-REP’s strategic plan from its inception. He knows this work, and I am confident he will take E-REP and this region to the next level.”
E-REP said Barney will continue to lead the organization until her retirement to ensure a seamless transition.