Delaware County’s chief economic development officer is expected to resign from his position to join his wife at the University of Kansas.
Jay Julian, president and CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and chief economic development officer for Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance, will remain in his position until Sept. 30.
Previously, Julian worked as the planning director for the City of Anderson, according to muncie.com. He joined the Muncie Chamber of Commerce in July 2009. His wife, Leisa Julian, is Ball State's associate vice president of business and auxiliary services and has accepted a new position at the University of Kansas as vice chancellor and chief financial officer.
College of Communications, Information and Media dean Roger Lavery, also former chairman of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said Jay is a master at bringing people with different backgrounds and agendas together to get things done.
“Not many have this talent, yet he accomplishes this with a small staff and insufficient funding,” Lavery said.
Jay has held two leadership positions that oversaw the Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Advancement Corporation.
“Jay has improved the effectiveness of both boards, and it’s important to note that he has never taken credit for any of his work or successes,” Lavery said.
Jeff Daniels, past chair of the Board of Directors, has worked with Jay since joining the board in 2009.
“Jay’s leadership has ensured that Muncie and Delaware County remain on the map for various economic development prospects and activity that can come from around the globe,” Daniels said.
Under Jay, the International Economic Development Council announced in October 2015 the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance has again been recognized as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, Daniels said.
“At a time when most chambers were seeing dramatic drops in membership, ours retained and even added members against some of the strongest economic head winds our county has seen,” Daniels said.
An executive search committee, the chamber and the Delaware Advancement Corporation will begin the process of finding a candidate to replace Jay. Until then, he will stay in his position.
Although it is unknown how long it will take to hire a new chamber executive, it is suspected that there will be a national and local search to fulfill the position.
As Jay's appointment ends in late September, the position won't be announced for interested candidates until the process has officially begun.