FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, of which Noble County is a member, named a new leader in mid-September. Economic development professional Stephane Frijia will assume the role of president and CEO in October. Frijia previously served in a business development leadership role within the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) as senior vice president of strategy.
In his most recent role with GPEC, he led the formulation of strategic initiatives and programs focused on semiconductors and end-market applications to catalyze investment into new advanced industrial parks across the region, as well as the development of innovative data science capabilities to support domestic and international business attraction and marketing efforts. He has a master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Management Technology from Arizona State University. Frijia has played a key role in the development of GPEC’s international strategies. He is fluent in English, Italian and French.
Regional Partnership board member and interim CEO Jeff Turner noted, in a press release issued by the Partnership, that Frijia has the right mix of skills and personality to build upon the organization’s strong foundation created over the past 15 years.
“Stephane is an economic development team leader, team builder and team player. His deep experience in regional cooperation in the Phoenix area will help the Regional Partnership remain a national leader in attracting investment and the talent that all of our employers need. His strategic guidance will enhance the contributions of all of our stakeholders, including government, economic developers and our large investor base,” noted Turner.
“I am honored and grateful to the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership board of directors and selection committee for trusting me with responsibility to lead the economic development strategy for Northeast Indiana. Northeast Indiana is poised for growth, with a competitive business environment and a strong specialization in advanced manufacturing. I look forward to leading the team and supporting our local partners as we work together to deploy tools and position this region as a location of choice for business expansion,” said Frijia in the press release.
