News Release

FORT WAYNE – The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership has named a new leader. Economic development professional Stephane Frijia will assume the role of president and CEO in October.

Stephane Frijia

Frijia has served in a business development leadership role within the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) for over 10 years as senior vice president of strategy. He will relocate to Northeast Indiana from his current home in Phoenix in the coming weeks.

Frijia, originally from Italy, has resided in the Phoenix area since 2003. In his most recent role with GPEC, he led the formulation of strategic initiatives and programs focused on semiconductors and end-market applications to catalyze investment into new advanced industrial parks across the region, as well as the development of innovative data science capabilities to support domestic and international business attraction and marketing efforts.

He has a master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Management Technology from Arizona State University. Frijia has played a key role in the development of GPEC’s international strategies.  He is fluent in English, Italian and French.

Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University and Regional Partnership board chair, shared her excitement for Frijia as the organization’s next leader, explaining that he stood out as an exceptional candidate because he has been a key contributor to a world-class economic development team in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

“As technology drives global access and opportunity without boundaries, leaders in economic development must have a proven record in data intelligence and international marketability. Stephane brings experience and a record of success in both. His background in building strategies that supported the diverse growth of the Greater Phoenix area will complement the incredible work already being done in Northeast Indiana. I extend my sincerest thanks to Mark Millett and the rest of our search committee for their excellent work throughout the recruiting process,” said Emberton.

“The CEO search process yielded several high-quality candidates, but Stephane’s unique set of economic development experiences and skill-sets set him apart. He has a clear history of successful execution, driven by partner collaboration and innovative marketing approaches,” noted Mark Millett, Regional Partnership vice chair, CEO of Steel Dynamics Inc. and chair of the CEO search committee.