Greater Fort Wayne CEO to Step Down
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe chief executive officer of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. has announced plans to transition out of the role. Eric Doden says he will step down at the end of the year to focus on his private sector ventures and spend more time with his family.
Doden joined GFW in 2015, during which time he has assisted with 79 business expansion and relocations in Allen County, accounting for more than 4,200 new jobs and $184 million in new annual payroll, according to the organization. He says he will continue to work to recruit companies to Allen County during the remainder of his tenure and will work with the GFW board to ensure a smooth transition.
"Three years ago today, we announced Eric would be joining us as CEO to help in our mission of growing jobs, growing wages, and growing the economy. Since then, he has challenged us to cast a bold vision and to be persistent in implementing that vision. His passion and drive have empowered us to pursue economic development in ways we never had before," said Andrew Thomas, board chair of GFW Inc. "As a board, we sincerely appreciate Eric’s service to the community. He has done an incredible job of building Allen County’s economic momentum, while also assembling a leadership team that can continue building a nationally recognized economy."
John Urbahns, executive vice president of economic development for GFW, will step in for Doden as the organization’s point person for the Electric Works project, effective immediately. Doden calls the transformation of the former General Electric campus "the most transformational economic development project in the modern history of Fort Wayne."
"Our potential as a community has never been greater," Doden said in a news release. "I look forward to remaining active in the community and doing my part to build a nationally recognized economy here in Allen County."