The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) today announces the promotion of Patrick Hickey to Economic Development Director. Previously Hickey served E-REP as an Economic Development Program Manager.
“Patrick has been working in our region, bringing jobs and opportunity to our four-county footprint, since January 2023,” said Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer of E-REP. “He is already guiding important initiatives which will incrementally grow our economic and community development capacity and provide sustainable benefits to our region for decades to come.”
Hickey has been the key leader driving E-REP’s current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; a step towards a federal designation that provides ongoing financial support and additional points in applying for federal grants. Additionally, Hickey is guiding numerous rural communities in their application to Indiana’s Stellar Pathways program.
In his new role, Hickey will work with local units of government, site selectors, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and other economic development organizations to attract employers and investments, as well as to assist in retaining our current employers, particularly during times of growth. He also will work to advance E-REP’s Talent EVV goals of population growth, a thriving workforce, health living for regional residents, and creating opportunity for all our residents. Hickey previously held positions at Crossroads Christian Church and served as a sports reporter at the Courier & Press. He attended the University of Southern Indiana.
“Economic development is a team sport. I’m excited to play my role by building relationships and being the connector and facilitator that the Evansville Region needs to grow and thrive,” said Hickey.