Huber: Indy in ‘Fight For Talent’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe incoming chief executive officer of the Indy Chamber says he will focus on work force and neighborhood development as he prepares to begin his new job. Michael Huber says any metropolitan area must provide a variety of educational and living options to create a “fertile entrepreneurial atmosphere.” He hopes to have a strategic plan in place before the next legislative session. The former deputy mayor's first day on the job will be September 9.
August 22, 2013
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Michael J. Huber, an accomplished economic development entrepreneur, will lead the Indy Chamber and its three business units (Indy Partnership, Develop Indy and Business Ownership Initative) as president and CEO.
The announcement was made today by John Thompson, board chair for the Indy Chamber. “This is a coup for our consolidated group. Mike's energy, imagination and get-the-job-done approach are just what we need to make this collaboration a success,” Thompson said. “We took a big step last year when we brought the four groups together as a single entity charged with increasing economic development and business growth in the Indianapolis region. Now we've got the perfect leader to help us achieve success on all fronts,” he added.
“My family and I have a passion for Indianapolis and I know – most recently from my work at the Airport – that we need to have an effective and productive regional plan in order for the entire area to thrive,” Huber said. His first day on the job will be September 9.
He moves to the new position from the Indianapolis Airport Authority where he has served as the Senior Director of Commercial Enterprise since September of last year. His responsibilities have included oversight of the Authority's business and revenue generating units, including development of its land and facilities, air service development, parking and retail operations and marketing.
From 2010 until last September, Huber served as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development for Mayor Ballard. Among his accomplishments:
• CityWay project, in partnership with Eli Lilly & Company and Buckingham Companies
• Redevelopment of Bush Stadium
• Transfer of water and wastewater systems to Citizens Energy Group, producing $450 million in infrastructure capital
For the first two years of the Ballard administration, Huber served as Director of Enterprise Development. Prior to joining the Ballard team in January 2008, he worked in Governor Mitch Daniels' administration for three years serving as:
• Deputy Commissioner for Indiana Department of Administration
• Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Government Efficiency and Financial Planning Team.
From 2008 to 2011, Huber was also a member of the Associate Faculty of the School of Public Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at IUPUI. Prior to his work in government, he worked in management consulting, with a focus on state and local government.
He has an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and an undergraduate degree in social policy from Northwestern.
A board member of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Stopover, Inc. and a musician at St. Mary Catholic Church, he and his wife have two children and live in downtown Indianapolis.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber is the voice of progress and improvement for the Indianapolis region's business community. With membership of nearly 3,000 businesses representing 230,000 employees in the Indianapolis region, the Indy Chamber is leading the effort to strengthen the business climate, improve the state of education, revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the region's workforce. In 2012, the Indy Chamber merged with Indy Partnership, Develop Indy, and Business Ownership Initiative. For more information about the Indy Chamber, visit www.indychamber.com.About the Indy Chamber Business Units
Indy Partnership
Indy Partnership is the authoritative source for data and resources in the nine-county Indianapolis region, representing its local economic development organizations to provide a coordinated, seamless response to companies seeking a new home. Indy Partnership is led by Marty Vanags, executive director. For more information, visit www.indypartnership.com.
Business Ownership Initiative
The mission of Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) and its Central Indiana Women's Business Center program is to help men and women start or grow their own businesses by providing knowledge, skills and access to financial resources. Central Indiana Women's Business Center program is widely recognized by small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the nine-county Indianapolis region. Business Ownership Initiative is led by Julie Grice, executive director. For more information, visit www.businessownership.org.
Develop Indy
Develop Indy is Marion County's local economic development organization. Develop Indy is dedicated to attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing businesses and serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth in Indianapolis. Formed in 2007, Develop Indy is led by Brian Gildea, executive director. For more information about Develop Indy, visit www.developindy.com.
Source: Indy Chamber