Elaine Bedel, who has served as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. since 2017, is being tapped for another state role.
A joint statement from Gov. Eric Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said Bedel was appointed secretary and CEO of the new Indiana Destination Development Corp. The new state entity was established by Indiana lawmakers to lead efforts to elevate the state’s position as the best place to live and visit.
The Indiana Destination Development Corp. will operate as a joint public-private agency with the ability to raise its own funds and reduce its need for state funding, which should help its ability to be competitive, the state said.
“Elaine will excel as Indiana’s first chief destination officer to bring our public and private sectors together to best tell Indiana’s story,” Holcomb said. “In her new role, Elaine will work collaboratively to develop marketing strategies that will enhance economic development, attract new talent to our workforce and enhance our state’s profile as a great destination for visitors.”
Jim Schellinger, presently Indiana’s secretary of commerce, will assume the responsibilities of the role of president of the IEDC.
The new state entity will be governed by a seven-member board, which will include the governor, who will appoint the lieutenant governor as his designee, the president of the IEDC or its designee, and five members appointed by the governor from the private sector tourism industry.
Bedel will remain a member of the governor’s cabinet and begin reporting to Crouch on Nov. 11 to begin transition planning.
Misty Weisensteiner, director of the Office of Tourism, will continue leading that office and transfer to the IDDC. She will report directly to Bedel.
Bedel served as president, CEO and chief compliance officer of Bedel Financial Consulting Inc. before joining the IEDC.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hanover College and a master’s degree in business administration from Butler University.
