Bethany Hartley is the new chief strategy officer for the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership.
She joined the partnership in 2018 as director of diversity and inclusion and will continue in that role, the organization said in a statement. Hartley will develop strategies for organizational change, supporting new working relationships and synergies across the partnership, and establish greater transparency and accountability.
“The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership is in a unique position to lead the South Bend – Elkhart region into a new era by leveraging advanced technologies, supporting core industry clusters, and encouraging new businesses to relocate or expand within our large geographic footprint,” said Regina Emberton, the organization’s president and CEO. “Bethany’s broad skillset and passion for inclusive economic development makes her the ideal candidate to strengthen our collaboration with economic development professionals and stakeholders to ensure a cohesive, measurable, and sustainable future for the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership and the region.”
Hartley looks forward to her new role.
“As an organization that operates across a large geographic footprint with a lean team and incredibly engaged committee and board members, establishing the chief strategy officer position moves us towards a more sustainable future, and weaves the fabric of our five areas of focus more closely together,” she said.
Hartley has more than a decade of experience in non-profit leadership, primarily focused on economic development and entrepreneurship. Prior to joining the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, Hartley held leadership positions with RISE – Regional Innovation and Startup Education, Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, Family and Children’s Center, and the Women’s Business Development Center.
Hartley holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and certificates from the University of Notre Dame’s Master of Non-Profit Administration, Babson College, and Catalyst Inc. Hartley is also active in a variety of community activities, including serving as a board member of Startup Moxie Elkhart County, a steering committee member of the Engaging Women Conference, a committee member of the Inclusive Procurement Committee at the City of South Bend, and a champion for Girls on the Run of Northern Indiana.
