Sampson to step down as Regional Partnership CEO
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The president and chief executive officer of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership is stepping down. John Sampson, who has served in the role since the partnership’s founding 15 years ago, will leave the organization on March 31.
Sampson did not provide a reason for stepping down. In a news release, he expressed his gratitude for the “unique privilege and responsibility” in leading the partnership, which he called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Working together, our region has overcome challenges and achieved major milestones many thought not possible,” said Sampson. “In collaboration with our partners from the private and public sectors throughout the 11 counties, we have built a foundation of regional strength and momentum that will serve the residents of Northeast Indiana for years to come.”
The organization says it will immediately begin looking for Sampson’s successor. A search committee comprised of members of the partnership’s board of directors and community partners will conduct the national search.
“The collaboration that has been critical to the creation and success of the Regional Partnership will be at the forefront of our search criteria for the organization’s next leader,” said David Findlay, executive committee member for the partnership’s board. “It will be important that we focus our search on identifying a leader who will expand upon and carry forward the vision of our region to support business, build community and market our region to the world.”
The partnership did not say whether an interim CEO will be appointed.