Q1: Tell us about your upbringing and background, and what led you to live and work in Fort Wayne.
I grew up in Chicago and Naperville. My husband’s job brought us here 13 years ago. We found Fort Wayne is a place where we could easily build community. So, what was once a city we were trying on for size, quickly became home.
At the time, I was the director of research for a national economic development consulting firm. I worked remotely, traveled frequently and very much wanted to transition to a community-based position. I was fortunate enough to lead the Community Research Institute at Purdue University Fort Wayne for a few years before joining the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. team eight years ago.
Volunteerism is a common thread in my upbringing. My parents often held multiple jobs, but they somehow also managed to help with school events and Girl Scouts. I attended Loyola University Chicago for my undergraduate education, and I received my master’s degree in city and regional planning from Georgia Tech. In between, I spent a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer, assisting with community development projects in a low-income rural community. While at Loyola, I was part of a service-learning scholarship program, where my volunteer work ranged from pro-bono research to serving as the Thursday night volunteer cook at a Chicago Housing Authority home for seniors.
Q2: What does a day in the life of chief economic development officer look like? What exactly do you do in this role?
I manage GFW Inc.’s economic development operations (which includes an incredibly talented team of five) and drive implementation of the community’s 10-year economic development strategy, Allen County Together (ACT). I also work with a talented extended team of partners throughout the community. We field inquiries for businesses looking to invest and grow in Allen County, and we visit 500+ local businesses each year, assisting them with expansions, workforce needs, process navigation and more. Underpinning this is maintaining relevant research and marketing materials communicating why Allen County is a great place for businesses to invest.
This week, I made a headquarters visit to one of our fast-growing mid-sized businesses, met with four different developers on their proposed investments and projects in Allen County, strategized with Visit Fort Wayne on its tourism master plan, brainstormed with the GFW Inc. team for our next inter-city visit to Little Rock, Arkansas, had several meetings related to initiatives within our ACT plan, and met with our partners in local government on the 100+ leads we are working during our monthly coordination meeting.
Q3: Can you share with us upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re especially excited about?
There’s been about $100 million in private investment completed or under development in Southeast Fort Wayne, which is very encouraging! Roosevelt Reserves, the first new market-rate subdivision in that area in more than 40 years is nearly sold out of lots. Park’s Edge, a mixed-income, mixed-use multifamily residential project with more than 200 units, is already planning for its next phase. New retailers have opened at Southtown alongside new offices developed by LegacyOne. Bridge of Grace’s $16 million investment will expand and enhance early childhood education and daycare offerings. And vacant properties have been (or are in the process of being) redeveloped by City Church, Neighborhood Health and others.
Q4: What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?
I truly love my job! I am trusted with projects that improve the community. Better yet, I work with the best team.
Because we are a growing community — one of the fastest in the Midwest — keeping up the pace is the biggest challenge. It’s a heavy project load, which is a good challenge to have!
Q5: What has been your favorite part about being involved with Fort Wayne’s downtown development?
I love that I’ve been able to play a small role in creating a heart of the city (and region) that is now a tremendous source of civic pride.
Q6: What do you do outside of working hours? Tell us a bit about your family, hobbies and interests, etc.
My husband, Weston Cutter, is a true renaissance man. He’s a writer, owner of Haven Watch Company, and has renovated our once vacant house (room by room) into a cozy family home. We have three daughters in elementary school and they are kind, smart, silly and totally themselves. On any given night you can find us making milkshakes, playing spoons or rummy, hitting wiffle balls in the back yard or visiting the main branch Allen County Public Library.
This summer I’m teaching my kids Double Dutch and roller skating. Shout out to Roller Dome North! It’s my Tuesday night Zen.
Digging in the dirt is my happy place. I love the McMillen Park Mother’s Day plant sale. It’s the kickoff to getting my yard hang-out-ready all summer long.
I serve on the boards of the Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation, the Philharmonic and SEED. In my free time I like to hit the driving range, run, read, and work on sewing and needlepoint projects. Fun fact — I made my own prom dress!
Q7: Do you enjoy traveling? Tell us about a memorable trip you’ve taken and where you would like to go in the future.
I’ve always enjoyed traveling- experiencing different cities and countries is a big reason why I became interested in urban planning.
My family loves and has always been active with the YMCA. We have had the opportunity to spend a few summer vacations at the YMCA family Camp DuNord in Ely, Minnesota. The Boundary Waters are stunningly beautiful, pristine and remote. It is truly an opportunity to unplug, kayak, hike, swim and spend quality time together as a family. My husband spent his childhood there and, in his teen years, was a camp counselor. It’s been very special to continue that tradition.
I like to involve my children in choosing where to travel. They chose Washington, D.C. last summer and New Orleans for fall break. One of their summer activities has been researching the city, its history and helping plan our visit. After that, we’d love to put some stamps in our passports! Spain has long been on my list.
