Former Bank Exec to Lead Economic Organization
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Knox County Development Corp. has selected Kent Utt to lead the organization. He previously served as area manager in southern Indiana and southeast Illinois for Regions Bank.
July 1, 2014
News Release
Vincennes, Ind. — Kent E. Utt, a lifelong resident of Knox County Indiana, is slated to take over the reigns of the Knox County Development Corporation (KCDC) on August 1st. A graduate of the North Knox School Corporation in 1984, Kent subsequently attended the University of South Florida majoring in Business Administration, Indiana State University where he earned a BS in Finance/Economics and Ball State University where he received his MBA in Business Administration.
Utt comes to the KCDC from Regions Bank where he served as Community Bank President and southern Indiana /southeastern IL area manager. He has consistently received excellent performance evaluations for the twenty-six years he has served the bank, developing long-term trusted relationships both with internal associates and with the bank's broad client base. His responsibilities have included business development and sales management of the consumer and business division for seventeen branches in southern Indiana (10 counties) and 3 branches in southeastern Illinois (2 counties).
Utt's leadership and membership of several different community organizations include:
Knox County Development Corporation, Current Board Member, Chairman and Finance and Marketing Committees
Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Current Board Member – Past President – 2008
Knox County Community Foundation, Trustee for 10 years, Past President – 2005
Bicknell Country Club, Member and Past Board Member
BPO Elks 291, Member
First Baptist Church, Member
As the father of two teenagers (Madison and Mason), Kent takes an active role in their extra-curricular activities including the coaching of their sports teams. He is a golfer and hunter who enjoys horse trail and bicycle riding.
His business and civic background have helped to prepare him for his new role with a solid sense of the dynamics in Knox County, in regard to the economic climate, the community’s excellent quality of life and unique opportunities and challenges. He has proven himself to be a passionate, results-oriented leader who has successfully managed an expanded geography and a diverse group of managers in an industry with frequent changes.
Utt is extremely passionate about expanding business and opportunities for Knox County while coaching/leading a volunteer board and improving the overall economic and social climate in Knox County. He enjoys the strategic/negotiating nature of business development/expansion and thrives on the competitiveness that is inherit with landing/retaining/expanding long-term trusted relationships.
Kent is looking forward to working with the excellent 51 member board and cites its strength and active leadership as key in the past and future successes of the KCDC.
He takes over the leadership of the KCDC with full support from retiring President, Gary Gentry, the Board of Directors and the Knox County Community. It is anticipated that Kent will effectively facilitate the county's continued growth and success.
Source: Knox County Development Corp.