JOSH PICHLER

Reeder named CEO of REDI Cincinnati

The Enquirer
Johnna Reeder

Johnna Reeder has been named president and chief executive officer of REDI Cincinnati, LLC, the regional organization charged with business attraction and expansion. The appointment is effective May 5.

Reeder will leave her position as a vice president for Duke Energy in Ohio and Kentucky, where her portfolio included economic development, as well as government affairs and community relations.

"It's rare to find someone that has the leadership and experience that this role demands, in addition to a deep level of commitment to our area," said Tom Williams, chair of REDI Cincinnati and president of North American Properties.

Last month executives announced the Cincinnati USA Partnership for Economic Development, which was an arm of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, would be restructured and rebranded as Cincinnati REDI. The Partnership director reported to the Chamber CEO.

Reeder will report to a board made up of top business and civic leaders from across the region, including new Chamber CEO Brian Carley. The structure is designed to leverage more CEO engagement in recruiting efforts, and give all 15 counties in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana a strong voice at the table. Cincinnati REDI is one of six partners for JobsOhio, the state's economic development arm.

"I am excited to take the helm at the newly energized REDI and look forward to continued collaboration with its key stakeholders and investors to grow jobs and investment in our region," Reeder said.

Matt Davis, who has served as interim director of the Partnership and REDI Cincinnati, will take another position with the Chamber.

Collaboration has been an important theme among regional CEOs this year, who are looking to leverage momentum in Cincinnati and Covington's urban core, as well as suburbs that want to attract new businesses from tax-heavy states. Indeed, multiple high-powered organizations with an interest in economic development are expected to move into one Downtown location starting later this year.

REDI Cincinnati and the Chamber, which focuses on government relations and member services, will move into space at 3 East Fourth Street in October. The Port Authority of Greater Cincinnati, which is acquiring and developing strategic sites for economic development, will move in around the same time.

Staff members at the Cincinnati Business Committee and Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, which are made up of CEOs from the region's large and midcap companies, may also move into the space in late 2015.