For immediate release: Jul 06, 2009
Posted by: [ISDA]
Contact: Jeannie Keating
Phone: (317) 696-9695
Email: jkeating@isda.in.gov

Today, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced the appointment of Gina Sheets as Assistant Director for Economic Development for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Sheets will help define and nurture economic opportunity in all areas of Indiana agriculture.

A native of Clinton County, Sheets currently serves as CEO and Director of Economic Development for the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce.

"Gina has a long and distinguished track record in economic development. We could not be more thrilled that she is joining our team," Lt. Governor Skillman said. "This position is a new step forward for the Department, and Gina will help us implement our updated strategic plan and increase agriculture's impact on the Hoosier economy."

In her current position with the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Sheets has worked tirelessly to bring new economic opportunity to her community. Under Sheets' oversight, Clinton County has seen over $700 million growth in new investment and payroll increases. Beyond corporate development, Sheets has coordinated Clinton County's small business development activities as well as facilitated discussion between government leaders and private developers on infrastructure issues, wind energy development, and land use planning. Further, she has overseen the Clinton County farmers' market and created a renewable energy development initiative to establish the county's first industrial symbiosis biorefinery.

Outside her responsibilities with the Chamber, Sheets is also an agriculture small business owner. She and her husband, Travis, live on a farm in rural Clinton County where they raise freezer beef, pasture poultry, rainbow trout, eggs and produce for direct consumer marketing, including farmers' markets.

Earlier in her career, Sheets served as a local elected official and worked in the retail industry both as a small business owner and a merchandise manager.

"In my new position I will be supporting the Administration's vision for Indiana to be a global leader in agriculture," Sheets said. "Many of the Department's priorities have been my passion and focus for economic development to date and I look forward to continuing my efforts for the entire State in this new opportunity."

Sheets will start with the Department on August 10th.