Personnel & Board of Directors
A confidential, single point of contact for business assistance Our staff is extremely knowledgeable of Orange County’s opportunities and resources available and navigates the site selection and business development processes by:
- Providing market insights
- Delivering programmatic and incentive information
- Bringing together public and private sector leaders
- Guiding businesses as they make and implement important location decisions
THE TEAM
Skylar Whiteman Executive Director
Skylar Whiteman was raised in French Lick and currently resides in Paoli. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management & Policy from Indiana University Bloomington and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to joining OCEDP, she served as a licensed Health Facility Administrator in senior living communities throughout Southern Indiana for over 9 years and led teams that were recognized for quality, regulatory, and financial successes at the local, state, and national levels. Skylar gained a thorough understanding of the challenges facing both businesses and residents of Orange County during her time leading a business that employees over 90 individuals. Skylar is passionate about elevating Orange County and continuing to strengthen relationships with businesses, leaders, and residents, while working to grow the community for those that live, work, and visit here. Skylar shares her life with her husband, two sons, and their pets and enjoys time in the pool, watching and playing sports, reading, and traveling.
Chelsey Thomas Assistant Executive Director
Chelsey Thomas is an Orange County native who was raised in Paoli, Indiana and currently resides there. She holds an associate’s degree in business administration and understands the challenges and advantages of living in rural Orange County, Indiana. Chelsey recently graduated from the Purdue Extension Leadership Academy. With this certificate of accomplishment, she has a better understanding of our community and how it operates. With five years’ experience in an administrative role at a CPA firm prior to working at OCEDP, she is knowledgeable about the local business climate and understands business operations. Chelsey uses her educational and work experiences to not only further the mission and vision of OCEDP but to also help in making Orange County a better place to live, work, relax, and do business. Chelsey Thomas also serves on the Orange County Habitat for Humanity board as the Secretary and the Paoli Chamber of Commerce as the Treasurer where she can better strengthen relationships within our community while giving back to Orange County.
CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alan Beck Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: French Lick Springs Resort
Russ Sage Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Jasper Group
Liz Smith Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Reynolds Construction, LLC
Mylea Pluris Type of Director: Virtue of Position Affiliation: Appointed by Paoli Town Council
Cathy Carnes Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Town of West Baden
Dave Wolford Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: French Lick Town Council
Nancy Mitchell-Morris Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Mitchell Jewelry
Ken Schnaus Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Springs Valley Bank
Randy Clark Type of Director: At Large; Affiliation: Town of Orleans
Richard Dixon Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Appointed by County Commissioners
Kevin Knies Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Paoli Community School Corporation
Chad Hager Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Orange County Council
Pam Metz Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Boston International/Celebrate The Home
Brandy Ream Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Visit French Lick West Baden
Jack Mensch Type of Director: Virtue of Position; Affiliation: Quantumlytix LLC
Our Members
Titanium Members
Platinum Members
Gold Members
Silver Members
Infrastructure Systems Incorporated
Indiana Natural Gas Corp.
Cave Quarries
The Superburger
KFC/Taco Bell
Orleans Community Schools
Paoli Community Schools
Springs Valley Community Schools
Kerstiens Custom Builders
French Lick West Baden Chamber of Commerce
French Lick Wine & Spirits
Bronze Members
Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Paoli Chamber of Commerce
Best Western Plus French Lick
Elite Therapeutic Massage and Tanning
Mitchell’s Jewelry
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division
PARTNERS AND ALLIES
Established relationships mean you’re connected with the right resources, faster
To deliver a comprehensive array of services, Orange County partners with a host of organizations that provide expert technical assistance, financial support, market insights, policy leadership and overall guidance in the pursuit of county economic development. The partnerships include local governments, businesses, schools, and other community organizations committed to helping the business community. Additional partnerships that increase Orange County’s resources and expertise include:
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
- Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)
- Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
- USDA Rural Development
- Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission
- Radius Indiana-https://radiusindiana.com
- South West Indiana Development Council -https://swidc.org
Strong network of allies also serving Orange County clients Additional organizations who have provided support to Orange County and our clients include:
- Duke Energy
- Hoosier Energy
- IMPA (Indiana Municipal Power Association)
- Radius Indiana
- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division
- South Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
