Earlier this year, Kaylie Pruiett, program manager at Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, was named one of Conexus Indiana’s 2025 Rising 30. The program honors emerging leaders driving early-career innovation in the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries.
Pruiett, who is celebrating two years at E-REP this month, spoke with Inside INdiana Business about the Conexus Indiana distinction and her work with Evansville businesses.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Tell me about your background before you joined E-REP.
I worked in healthcare, doing [public relations], marketing, community outreach and engagement at the [Deaconess] Women’s Hospital and then for Deaconess [Health System]. My focus was on educating the community about women’s health, coordinating events and making connections through the region. That sparked my interest and passion for community-focused work and strong local partnerships. That still drives me today, and that is how I got here.
What drew you to work at E-REP?
When I worked for the Women’s Hospital. I was an ambassador for E-REP. I would show up to events, ribbon-cuttings, networking, lunches, coffees, all the things. And we would get asked to volunteer at E-REP events to welcome people in and help set up. Through my ambassador program, I was spreading awareness about all the events and educational things going on at the Women’s Hospital and Deaconess.
We were sitting in a meeting one day, and they were doing a little overview of E-REP, and they were like, “There’s a position open in the talent development department.” I applied because I got to see firsthand the impact that E-REP had on the region, being involved with businesses all the time. I knew I wanted to take the opportunity when it came about, so here I am.
What is your role at E-REP?
I manage several different programs, including the Tri-State Manufacturers’ Alliance, Family Business Alliance, Young Professionals Alliance and Business Retention and Expansion program. I work directly with employers and partners to support growth, build strong networks and help create opportunities across the Evansville region.
What successes have you experienced so far in this position?
One of my favorite things is leading the Business Retention and Expansion program and supporting business expansions and investments in the region. I schedule visits with businesses, go out and visit them and make sure they want to stay here and grow here. And figure out what resources we can connect them to or provide them with to do that.
I focus on the manufacturing sector when I’m doing those visits. About 25% of the economic development projects our team is working on come from leads generated by the Business Retention and Expansion program. And 75% of new investments come from existing businesses, highlighting why the Business Retention and Expansion program is so vital.
I launched the first-ever TSMA summit in 2024, which brought together hundreds of professionals. We had 10 breakout sessions, a few keynote speakers and we got all the manufacturing professionals in the region together to educate them. We launched that with my TSMA steering committee.
I have also helped train and upskill over 200 manufacturing employees through key partnerships and doing workshops with the alliance. It’s been incredible to see these connections transform into tangible results.
What challenges have you faced in this role?
I live in the manufacturing world about 50-75% of the time. Coming into manufacturing without the technical background has been a huge learning curve for me. But I’m always asking questions and surrounded by a ton of experts who have helped me grow fast.
I also manage a lot of different programs at once. They all align at the end of the day, but they are four separate programs. So staying organized and focused can be a challenge, but it always keeps things interesting and rewarding.
What is the state of economic development in the Evansville region?
There’s a lot of momentum. Manufacturing and health care are the biggest drivers, and wages and total payroll have been growing steadily in the past few years. Unemployment’s low, and employers are optimistic. We’re seeing a lot of new investment and more collaborations with educators to prepare the workforce.
However, businesses are clear about the remaining challenges, especially the need to grow and train the local workforce and to address infrastructure needs like housing and childcare so the region can continue to grow and build on its strengths.
What’s the economic development outlook for the Evansville area?
Going forward, the outlook is bright. We’re continuing to see better alignment between businesses, educators and local leaders, which is going to open the door for smart, long-term growth. If we keep investing in talent development and responding to the needs of our major employers in the manufacturing and health care sectors, the region is going to be positioned to thrive.
How does it feel to be a Conexus Rising 30 honoree?
It feels special. I’ve had tremendous support from my team, mentors and partners since receiving this award, and it makes me proud to represent the Evansville region. Being honored for work that I love doing is incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful to be included alongside such an inspiring group of people. It’s been a great experience.
Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?
I will be in Evansville. It’s my favorite place. I grew up in Newburgh and went to Castle High School. I went away to college at [Western Kentucky University] for a couple of years, and then I came home to [the University of Southern Indiana]. And I decided when I came home and moved to the west side that I was not going to leave Evansville.
I love working directly with the businesses and community partners here, and I want to keep doing work that supports growth and helps people thrive. Whether I’m leading new initiatives or continuing to expand on the work that I do now, I want to stay rooted in this region and keep making a difference.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team, learn from awesome mentors and collaborate with multiple organizations that are doing amazing things. I feel lucky to be in this work and even luckier to do it in this community.