WENDY DANT CHESSER
President & CEO
One Southern Indiana
THE
ISSUE
Boards, volunteer or community work:
Part of my job is to represent our business community on various
boards and commissions, including: Louisville Zoo Foundation
Board; Ivy Tech Regional Board of Trustees; Kentucky Derby Festival
Board of Directors; Greater Louisville, Inc. Board of Directors;
Indiana Economic Development Association (Chair); Indiana Metro
Chambers Group; Kentucky-Indiana Exchange Board of Directors/
Managing Partner; Falls of the Ohio Foundation Board; Louisville
Regional Airlift Development Board of Directors; Align Southern
Indiana Board of Directors; 55,000 Degrees Board of Directors.
In terms of growth and economic development, where would
you like to see Southern Indiana in 10 years?
We measure economic growth not only through job creation, but
also tax base investment and increased consumer spending. A big
emphasis during recent years is on our workforce development needs.
We support increasing average wages in our area because we cannot
build vibrant communities on low-wage jobs. However, workers have
to be skilled for higher wage positions, which is why you see much
of our focus on increasing business/education partnerships to lead to
higher wages. So, by 2028, I would like to see wages in our counties
surpass the average wage for Indiana’s state average.
Who or what motivates you?
Good energy and fresh ideas. I love to be surround with positive
people who have can-do attitudes. They give me energy.
What habits/routines have helped with your success?
I do my best to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. I feel better
and think more clearly when I do.
What pushes you through your most difficult times?
In community and economic development work, there are high
times and low times – it is the nature of local economies to ebb and
flow. Remembering this not only motivates me to celebrate the
accomplishments, but also instills the perseverance to work harder
when times are bad.
What are you most proud of professionally?
My passion is to create opportunities for people who call Southern
Indiana home. I am so fortunate that I get to work toward this passion
every day.
602 VINCENNES ST.
NEW ALBANY, IN 47150
PH: 812.948.0755