Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development is pleased to introduce Katie Hite as associate director of economic development and investor relations.
Hite was selected for the role through a search opened in May, after Chris Keller resigned as executive director in April. Matt Gilroy – former director of strategic initiatives – became executive director in May. Hite will begin her role on Aug. 3.
“We are excited to welcome Katie to our team and look forward to the experience, leadership, and community relationships she will bring to our organization,” Gilroy said. “Katie has extensive experience collaborating with members and investors in her roles in various non-profit organizations. She will add value to our investors by building relationships quickly to support economic development efforts locally. She also brings with her a wealth of knowledge about career and workforce development.”
Hite has had extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as assistant director for the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (Ohio ACTE), the state’s leading professional association advancing Career-Technical Education through advocacy, public policy, professional development, and strategic partnerships. She led Ohio ACTE’s Sustaining Partnership initiative, bringing together employers, educators, and workforce leaders to strengthen Ohio’s talent pipeline. She also directed statewide professional development for new Career-Technical Education teachers and administrators, helping prepare the educators who shape Ohio’s future workforce.
Before joining Ohio ACTE, Hite served as Partnership Coordinator for Career Readiness Education at Stride K12, where she built partnerships between education and industry to expand career-connected learning opportunities. Her passion for connecting people to opportunity has taken her from classrooms in South Korea and New Zealand to leadership roles at SUNY Geneseo and Des Moines Area Community College, where she designed innovative educational programs and supported learners from more than 20 linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
In addition to her professional experience, Hite is Vice President of the Hope House Board of Directors and serves as a member of the Findlay City Schools Board of Education. She is a graduate of the University of Findlay and Findlay High School and lives in the Findlay community with her husband, Ryan, and their two children.
“While I may not have carried the title of “economic developer” before, I’ve spent my career helping people discover opportunities, strengthening talent pipelines, and building partnerships that benefit communities,” Hite said. “To me, that’s what economic development is all about. I’m excited to continue that work in Findlay-Hancock County by helping connect businesses, education, and community partners in ways that create opportunities for individuals, strengthen our workforce, and contribute to the long-term success of our region.”
Hite will immediately lead the newly created HR Team that will be meeting soon after she starts and will be building relationships with investors, Gilroy said. She will also learn economic development programs as her work evolves.
