Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership names director for regional program
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An executive with more than 20 years of experience in economic and community development has been named director of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s Community Impact Partnership Program.
Matt Brinkman will begin his new role on May 19, leading the collaboration to improve the region’s quality of life, the partnership said.
Brinkman most recently served as executive director of the Region 3-A Regional Planning Commission, which supports economic development in Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash and Whitley counties.
“Matt has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape regional development,” said Stéphane Frijia, president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, which serves a wider 11-county area. “His experience and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders will be invaluable as we work to elevate Northeast Indiana’s resilience, competitiveness, and quality of life.”
Under Brinkman, the organization said, the Community Impact Partnership Program will focus on four objectives:
- Partnering with schools to build a workforce to support regional economic growth.
- Promoting policies that foster equitable job creation, bolster local industries, and improve housing, childcare and quality-of-life outcomes.
- Identifying infrastructure needs such as energy, transportation, and broadband improvements.
- Advocating for a regional strategy to address housing needs.
“I am honored to step into this role and look forward to working closely with communities across the region,” said Brinkman, a Purdue University graduate who worked in commercial banking before his career in community development. “The opportunity to help shape a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive future for Northeast Indiana is deeply meaningful. Together, we can align resources, advance critical priorities, and ensure that all of our communities are positioned to thrive. I’m looking forward to collaborating with a talented team and taking on new challenges.”