GRANT COUNTY
Moves Ideas Forward
Our Mission
to promote a vibrant, sustainable economy that attracts and empowers business growth and innovation in Grant County
Our Vision
to serve as champions of collaboration and opportunity, leading the charge to make Grant County one of the best places to live, learn, and work
“near $3 billion invested”
The Growth Council drives progress that supports families, strengthens businesses, and expands opportunity for all. In the past year alone, our efforts have helped attract nearly $3 billion in investment to Grant County.
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Incoming Executive Director
A Grant County native with deep roots in both Marion and Upland, C. Ted Ward, II returns home to lead the Growth Council after more than three decades building and scaling civic, educational, and workforce development programs across East Central Indiana. Ward most recently served as Membership Director for Shafer Leadership Academy in Muncie, where he facilitated brand strategy and aligned leadership development programming with regional workforce retention goals. Before that, he spent more than a decade at Ball State University as Executive Director and Director of Strategic Initiatives with Online and Distance Education, overseeing a $4.1 million State of Indiana contract for regional programming and a statewide network of nine locations and more than 100 full-time personnel.
Ted's connection to Grant County extends well beyond his professional career. From 1991 to 2000, he served with Grant County Correctional Services as Chief of Services and Support, gaining an early and grounded understanding of the county's governmental and fiscal operations. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion and has taught management and entrepreneurship at Ball State's Miller College of Business as an adjunct instructor since 2008.
In recent years, Ted has served by mayoral appointment on both the Muncie Economic Development Commission and the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District, and on the executive board of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce. His family's roots are in manufacturing, and he carries that foundation of hard work and community investment into everything he does, both in the office and out in the community.
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Program Coordinator
Madison (Madi) hit the ground running with the Growth Council in July 2025. With a background in project management, marketing, and nonprofit service—as well as deep hometown roots in Grant County—she’s jumped right in learning more about the organization, collaborating with community leaders, and supporting the Growth Council’s mission to strengthen and grow our region. Outside of work, Madison enjoys baking, live music, good food, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and favorite humans.
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Marketing Coordinator
Loretta brings creativity, strategy, and a passion for storytelling to the Growth Council team. With experience in communications, marketing, and nonprofit service, she helps craft messages that highlight Grant County’s strengths and opportunities. A strong community advocate, Loretta is dedicated to fostering collaboration, supporting local businesses, and sharing the stories that connect people to place. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, music, and quality time with her husband, pets, and close friends.
Board of Directors
Executive Board
Ashley Hurd
President
Closing Agent, Grant County Abstract
Kristi Pulley
Vice President Operations
HR Manager, Huhtamaki
Austin Ott
Treasurer
Accountant, TLC Management Senior Living
Jason Miller
Past President
Owner, Randall Miller & Associates, Inc.
Adrienne Rines Hammond | McKown & Myers, LLP
Alex Huskey | Ivy Tech
Andrea Masvero | 1846 Enterprises
Charles Geller | General Motors
Jeff Rayis | Indiana Wesleyan University
Kylie Jackson | Greater Grant County
Matt Voss | NearSpace Launch
Robin Shrader | Marion Utilities
Scott Bratcher | Bahr Brothers Manufacturing
Stephanie Hilton-Siebert | Marion Health
Nick McKinley | IN State Senator District 17
Lori Goss-Reaves | State Representative District 30
Ronald Morrell, Jr. | Mayor of Marion
Brian Cowgill | Marion City Council President
Joe Murphy | City of Marion Economic Development
Bill Rock | Mayor of Gas City
Russ Corbin | Gas City City Council President
Jonathan Perez | Town of Upland
Bobby Goins | Mayor of Jonesboro
Aaron Caudell | Grant County Council
Diversity and Inclusion
Founded in 1985, the Grant County Economic Growth Council emerged from a coalition of local leaders determined to revitalize a stagnant economy. Their goal: to showcase the county’s strengths and attract new investment by promoting business growth at the local, state, and national levels.
Since then, the Growth Council has earned statewide and national recognition—named a Top Ten Local Development Group by Site Selection magazine three times, cited as Indiana’s leader in plant expansion, and featured by the National League of Cities for its business retention success.
Our mission remains the same: to promote a vibrant, sustainable economy that empowers business growth and innovation for all who call Grant County home. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—and to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.