River Ridge appoints Staten as new business development director

Brooke McAfee, The Evening News and the Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind.
·3 min read

Jun. 28—CLARK COUNTY — The River Ridge Development Authority has appointed Josh Staten as the new director of business development at the commerce park.

Staten has previously served as the City of New Albany's economic development and redevelopment director. He will begin his new position July 11.

He will work with the RRDA's partners to lead efforts in marketing, business development and community/economic development coordination, according to a River Ridge news release.

"It's an exciting time for River Ridge, and we are equally as excited to have Josh help us grow and build an even brighter future for River Ridge, the Louisville-Southern Indiana region and entire State of Indiana," River Ridge Executive Director Jerry Acy said in the news release.

"Josh's extensive experience, education and unique ability of working across sectors to bring people together will be critical as we look to expand upon our long history of expanding opportunities for our communities," he said.

Staten said he is "ready to get to work" at River Ridge Commerce Park.

"River Ridge is among the premier parks in the country," he said. "I'm getting to work with one of the best teams in the country and get to play a huge role in the regional economy and continue to bring in investment to our region. I'm excited to be a part of all that."

He is grateful to New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan for giving him the opportunity to build on the momentum in the city over the past four years, he said. He described New Albany's downtown as "on par with any downtown in the Louisville Metro."

Staten also enjoyed working in economic development and redevelopment projects in other parts of the New Albany, which range from enhancing the Colonial Manor shopping center on Charlestown Road to expanding the city's shoreline amenities, he said.

"It's been an incredible experience, and I'm just really appreciative to have had this opportunity to do what I've been able to do in my hometown," he said.

In a statement, Gahan congratulated Staten on his new position and praised the work he has done for the City of New Albany over the past four years, saying he "has been instrumental with numerous redevelopment projects."

"Some of Josh's work includes the revitalization of the Colonial Manor Shopping Center on Charlestown Road, new housing options and other improvements to the Vincennes Street Corridor, and the launch of a new riverfront recreation project, Silver Creek Landing," Gahan said. "Josh is a solid New Albany guy and we appreciate his work to keep our River City moving forward. Again, congratulations to Josh on his new job with River Ridge, and we look forward to working with him in his new role as Business Development Director with River Ridge."

Adam Dickey, a member of New Albany City Council and the New Albany Redevelopment Board, said Staten is leaving big shoes to fill.

"Obviously we never want to do anything that pulls someone back from a great opportunity, but I would just say that Josh will be well missed, having put together a lot of the pieces the last several years with the program," he said.

A job search is ongoing for River Ridge's new chief director of business development and external affairs. Devin Hillsdon-Smith was promoted to this position in May, but he stepped down from River Ridge in early June.