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Handling the responsibilities of the president and SEO of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority is no insignificant task. The organization supports "strategic partnerships that secure investments and opportunities to enhance the infrastructure, tax base, workforce, and overall quality of life in Washington County," according to its website; and leading an effort like that takes an intelligent, driven, focused and maybe even a little stubborn individual.
Last week, the authority's board of directors announced they had chosen Eric Wade to fill the role. He's already been a senior planner for the Buckeye Hills Regional Council, and studied what it takes to drive economic development in our region.
"Eric brings deep regional relationships and hands-on experience moving projects from idea to funding to completion. The board is confident he is the right leader to build on SeOPA’s progress,” said Matt Edgell, chair of the board of directors, said.
There is a lot of good work to build on, and it is encouraging to learn Wade knows it.
“I’m grateful to the board for the opportunity to serve the community I’ve worked alongside for years. Washington County has real assets: river access, rail, power, and people ready to work. My priorities are simple -- finish the projects already underway, bring good jobs to the region, and make sure residents can see how the Port Authority does its work.”
Good.
Our region may not be getting a lot of help from the folks in Columbus and Washington, D.C., who say they're working on these things. But Washington County residents know we've got someone in our corner right here at home.