Indy Chamber Names Jason Hester as Chief Economic Development Officer
Longtime Hoosier and seasoned leader brings decades of experience in strategic growth, regional collaboration, and business investment to Indy.
Ind. (Thursday, May 15, 2025) — The Indy Chamber is proud to announce the appointment of Jason Hester as Chief Economic Development Officer (CEDO), bringing 25 years of experience in economic and community development to the region’s business leadership organization. In this executive role, Hester will lead the Indy Partnership and drive regional business attraction strategy across Central Indiana. He will also support and collaborate with local economic development offices on best-in-class business expansion efforts.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the team at such a pivotal moment for the region,” said Matt Mindrum, President and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “His deep expertise, collaborative spirit, and proven leadership will be essential as we work with partners across the Indy region, nation, and globally to generate investment and create opportunity.”
Hester, who will start in the new role on June 2, currently serves as President of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation, where he advanced the area’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and foreign direct investment on initiatives that yielded more than $1.8 Billion in new investment and thousands of new jobs within Columbus, Edinburgh, and Bartholomew County, Indiana. Throughout his career, including key roles with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and local governments, Hester has been a champion of partnership-driven approaches that align regional strengths with global market opportunities. Those collective efforts have to date secured over $7.5 billion in direct capital investment and over 44,000 new jobs in Indiana.
As CEDO, Hester will serve on the Indy Chamber’s executive leadership team and guide strategic initiatives that position the region to compete globally and thrive locally. His work will focus on aligning assets across the Central Indiana region, building relationships with key stakeholders, and telling the story of Indy as a dynamic place for business and talent.
“I’m honored to join the Indy Chamber at such a meaningful time,” said Hester. “The Indy region is home to passionate professionals doing remarkable work among world-leading companies and organizations, and I’m excited to see what the future holds, as together we build a stronger, more connected regional economy.”
A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and native Hoosier, Hester holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and a degree in International Community Development from Oral Roberts University. He is a frequent speaker at national and regional events and advocates for data-informed, inclusive economic strategies.
This appointment underscores the Indy Chamber’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the region’s economic resilience, convening partners, and driving investment that benefits all communities across Central Indiana.
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About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. As we work to strengthen the foundation of our economy, we focus on big ideas, fast action, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
