Muncie Chamber CEO Leaving

One of east central Indiana’s most prominent economic development leaders has announced plans to leave. Jay Julian, chief executive officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, will step down from the position at the end of the chamber’s fiscal year in September.

Julian, who also serves as chief economic development officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Alliance will be leaving to join his wife in Kansas. Leisa Julian, an associate vice president at Ball State University, last week accepted a job as vice chancellor and chief financial officer at the University of Kansas.

In a weekend statement to Inside INdiana Business, Julian said he’ll miss the Muncie area and is proud of what has been accomplished since his arrival in 2009. "The chamber has grown over 35 percent and the Alliance has continually exceeded the goals set by the community," said Julian. "Leadership on both boards has been simply remarkable and it has been a privilege to have been able to work with so many talented co-workers and community leaders."

Jeff Daniels, managing partner of the Muncie Auto Group and past chair of the chamber board, says Julian has put Muncie and east central Indiana on the map. "Jay is one the most dedicated, driven and involved community leaders I’ve worked with," said Daniels. "At a time when most Chambers were seeing dramatic drops in membership, ours retained and even added members."

Julian, a native of Marion, previously served as that city’s executive director of development services. He was also planning director for the city of Anderson.

Daniels says a search committee will be formed to find Julian’s replacement.