The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI), in collaboration with regional stakeholders, is excited to announce the appointment of Matt Brinkman as the new Director of the Community Impact Partnership Program (CIPP).
Brinkman will lead a region-wide liaison effort strategically crafted to strengthen vertical and horizontal collaboration across multiple regional efforts to advance economic, civic, educational, housing, and infrastructure development goals across Northeast Indiana’s 11 counties.
Brinkman, a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in economic and community development, most recently served as Executive Director of Region 3-A Regional Planning Commission. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a big-picture strategist, opportunity creator, and strong relationship builder, known for revitalizing organizations, securing critical funding, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. His servant leadership style and commitment to empowering communities position him well to guide the future of CIPP.
“Matt has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape regional development,” said Stéphane Frijia, President and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “His experience and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders will be invaluable as we work to elevate Northeast Indiana’s resilience, competitiveness, and quality of life.”
This new Community Impact Partnership Program is strategically crafted to support and elevate the quality of life across the region’s towns, cities, and counties by creating a unified, formalized liaison program that aligns efforts and goals in economic, civic, educational, housing, and infrastructure development.
Under Brinkman’s leadership, CIPP will focus on four primary objectives:
- Innovation and Talent: Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions to ensure a robust talent pipeline for regional economic growth.
- Inclusivity: Engage both urban and rural communities, documenting local economic barriers and advocating for community-driven policies that promote equitable job creation, bolster local industries, and improve housing, childcare, and quality-of-life outcomes.
- Infrastructure Readiness: Identify and document critical infrastructure needs—including energy, transportation, and broadband improvements—to enhance regional sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness for future investment.
- Housing: Advocate for the implementation of a regional housing strategy that respects the unique character of each community while addressing urgent housing needs to support economic expansion.
“I am honored to step into this role and look forward to working closely with communities across the region,” Brinkman said. “The opportunity to help shape a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive future for Northeast Indiana is deeply meaningful. Together, we can align resources, advance critical priorities, and ensure that all of our communities are positioned to thrive. I’m looking forward to collaborating with a talented team and taking on new challenges.”
Brinkman will assume his responsibilities on May 19th, 2025.
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