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Partnering for Progress: Cindy Leis Takes the Helm at AEDG as Dave Stratton Leads GLR and Advances Initiatives

The Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) is pleased to announce Cindy Leis as its new President and CEO. This follows Dave Stratton’s transition to President and CEO of the Greater Lima Region (GLR). Stratton has been with AEDG since 2015 and led it since 2019. Both boards have approved the transitions, which took effect on Monday, July 15.

This shift marks a new era for both AEDG and GLR. With Leis at the helm of AEDG and Stratton steering GLR, the two organizations are set to work collaboratively toward shared goals of supporting economic, business, and community development in Allen County and the surrounding region.

A New Chapter for AEDG

AEDG’s mission is to create an environment for new business development, promote and nurture existing businesses, and facilitate the creation of new jobs in Allen County. Leis is excited about continuing to build on the successes achieved through the collaboration and support of many stakeholders, providing positive leadership to the community as a whole.

Her primary goals will be infrastructure and site preparedness, attraction of new business, supporting existing businesses in Allen County, and job creation in Allen County. 

“Cindy brings the skills and experience needed to further the initiatives of AEDG. We are excited by this next chapter in our organization,” stated Eric Pohjala, Chairman of the AEDG Board.

Leis has been associated with AEDG for nine years as a Senior Project Manager, Director of Business Development, and the Executive Director for the Port Authority of Allen County. She has over 30 years of experience in economic and community development, where she has worked at the state, regional, and county levels, managing business retention and growth, industrial site development, and new business attraction efforts.

“Cindy Leis is one of the most qualified, focused, and visionary professionals in economic development that is known,” Stratton remarked. “With her leadership, AEDG will thrive even more than it does presently, and she and the AEDG team will work collaboratively with the GLR to bring success to Lima/Allen County.”

Strengthening Regional Collaboration

Stratton’s move to the GLR is a strategic step toward reinforcing the collaborative efforts between AEDG and GLR. The GLR aims to stimulate economic and community development across Allen County and support economic growth in the surrounding seven counties.

“I see the Greater Lima Region as a significant economic development organization that will support the work of the Allen Economic Development Group,” Stratton stated. “It is a privilege to lead such an impactful organization as the GLR. I am extremely excited to work in collaboration with partners in Allen County and the region.”

The GLR’s primary focus will be to support AEDG’s economic development efforts. This includes initiatives such as economic and business development, generational projects,  downtown vibrancy, market-rate housing, workforce development, business advocacy and support, and marketing Allen County and the other seven counties in the region.

“The Greater Lima Region Board of Directors is excited Dave is joining GLR as our next President/CEO,” stated Phil Buell, Chairman of the Board for the GLR. “Dave brings with him a wealth of leadership and experience. He understands the Lima Region and the strong relationship between GLR and the Allen County Economic Development Group. We look forward to Dave building on our past success and leading us into the future.”

A Unified Vision for Growth

Both Leis and Stratton are committed to fostering a prosperous future for the residents of Allen County and the surrounding region. Their leadership and collaborative spirit are poised to bring new opportunities and continued success to the community.

“We believe that this restructuring will make for an even stronger economic, business, and community development for Allen County and the Greater Lima Region,” Stratton stated.