River Ridge Reorganizes Leadership Structure
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The River Ridge Development Authority in Jeffersonville is reworking its organizational structure with the addition of several key leadership positions. The authority says the changes are part of efforts to accelerate growth and economic development activity.
The organization is creating two new chief director positions to help guide and manage key functions of the RRDA.
Devin Hillsdon-Smith, who previously served as the RRDA’s deputy director, has been named chief director of business development and external affairs. Hillsdon-Smith will be responsible for marketing, business development, finance, audit activities and workforce development coordination.
Marc Hildenbrand, a senior project manager with Indianapolis-based HWC Engineering, will rejoin the authority as chief director of engineering and operations. The RRDA says Hildenbrand will manage planning, maintenance and operations, as well as coordinate with engineering partners.
Executive Director Jerry Acy also named new staff members to fill key roles within the organization.
Additionally, the RRDA says Greg Fifer, an attorney with Applegate Fifer Pulliam LLC in Jeffersonville, will replace David Lewis as the authority’s general counsel. Fifer will work alongside Acy and the RRDA board to manage all legal services.
Finally, Tom Vittitow has been promoted to senior director of projects and planning for the authority. Vittitow previously served as director of planning and operations, responsible for overall planning, project management and site development.
“The new additions and changes in leadership responsibilities are indicative of how much River Ridge has grown and how important it is to have strong professionals to guide and support that growth now and in the future,” said Mark Robinson, president of the RRDA board of directors. “We couldn’t be happier with the work Mr. Acy and his team have done to drive progress at River Ridge.”
The RRDA oversees the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business park that is home to more than 70 companies and more than 10,400 on-site workers. The commerce center’s annual economic output was estimated to be about $2.5 billion in 2021.
Last month, the RRDA approved nearly $1.2 million in infrastructure improvements and development projects for the commerce center that will focus on water, roads and energy.