MOUNT VERNON — Julia Suggs, administrative specialist at Area Development Foundation (ADF), was recently promoted to economic development coordinator.
The economic development coordinator handles all of ADF’s office operations, the facilitation of special projects, and the coordination of the Knox County Workforce Development Alliance’s (WorkDev) workforce solutions program.
“Julia has been a tremendous asset to ADF and the community since she came to work with us last year,” said ADF President Jeff Gottke. “She is a quick learner and has tremendous potential and dedication to the work of ADF. This is a well-deserved promotion.
“One of the reasons she was initially hired was because she has an in-depth knowledge of the local education system and how it can impact local workforce opportunities,” Gottke continued. “Now she will be ADF’s dedicated workforce development expert.”
ADF coordinates the Knox County Workforce Development Alliance, an organization of nearly 50 members that finds creative and industry-leading solutions to workforce problems, particularly in the manufacturing and healthcare industries.
“Having a dedicated person to coordinate this important effort will prove valuable to the community, especially given the current worker shortage and the recent announcement that Intel will be creating 3,000 jobs only 12 miles from Knox County,” Gottke added.
“I am excited to work toward providing better opportunities for quality people to become connected with quality local companies and to find new ways to support the ongoing mission of ADF. I am honored to serve Knox County in any capacity, but I am lucky to serve in a position that I am passionate about,” responded Suggs.
Suggs will complete a master’s in business administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University this spring. She previously earned an associate degree in business management technology from Central Ohio Technical College and Knox County Career Center and a bachelor’s degree in business management from MVNU. She is also a court appointed special advocate for Knox County children currently in foster care.
She can be reached at julia@knoxadf.com or 740.393.3806.
The Area Development Foundation acts as the central clearinghouse for all economic development in Knox County. ADF’s mission is to create more high-quality/good paying jobs, match good employers to job-ready workers, and advance efforts to support livable communities throughout Knox County. Its efforts in the community are most visible through the Knox County Land Bank, redevelopment of Cooper Progress Park, WorkDev, and the Knox County village strategic plans initiative.
