Brooklyn Hesterberg Leep
Lebanon,KY
Summary
Highly motivated and results-oriented economic development professional with experience in driving sustainable economic growth and revitalization initiatives. Skilled in leveraging data analysis to identify opportunities for investment and job creation, while fostering collaboration and building relationships with stakeholders including government officials, business leaders, and non-profit organizations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Marion County Industrial Foundation
02.2021 - Current
- Responsible for leading the Marion County Industrial Foundation, Inc., a private non-profit corporation focused on real estate acquisition, development, and management for industrial and commercial developments
- Forging strong relationships with local businesses, residents, government officials, and community organizations to facilitate consensus-building and foster collaboration
- Utilize communication and negotiation skills to secure buy-in and garner support for economic development initiatives
- Cultivating and maintaining strategic alliances with private sector entities, utility providers, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to leverage resources, expertise, and funding opportunities
- Fostering partnerships aimed at creating business incentives, industry clusters, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and workforce development programs
- Navigating complex governmental environments and foster productive relationships with local, state, and federal officials to advocate for policies conducive to economic growth
- Utilize comprehensive knowledge of government regulations and funding mechanisms to secure grants and subsidies in support of economic development initiatives
- Recent New Business Projects:
- Pernod Ricard – Jefferson’s Bourbon Distillery Total Capital Investment: $250,000,000 Total New Jobs Created: 55
- Grissan Renewable Energy - Total Capital Investment: $35,000,000 Total New Jobs Created: 30 Average Wages: $70/hr
- Other Noteworthy Projects:
- Marion County Multipurpose/Recreational Facility - Construction in progress
- Site Development – grading, filling, and preparing for build-ready, commercial lots and planning construction of new access road (100,000 total cubic yards of dirt) Total Capital Investment: $2.1 million
- Completion of new access road inside Crossroads Industrial Park Total Capital Investment: $1.2 million
Senior Project Manager
Office of Community Services and Business Development
05.2018 - 01.2021
- Responsible for cultivating business development opportunities, both nationally and internationally, by promoting Kentucky as an ideal location for business growth, investment, and job creation
- Research and identify industrial, commercial, and service sectors that may have a competitive advantage by doing business in Kentucky, as well as proactively call on companies with interest in locating in Kentucky
- Noteworthy New Business Projects:
- Hitachi/Honda Joint Venture Project (Berea, KY) - Total Capital Investment: Approximately $95,000,000 Total New Jobs Created: 165
- Danimer Scientific Expansion Project (Winchester, KY) - Total Capital Investment: Approximately $102,000,000 Total New Jobs Created: 55
- Danieli Corporation Project (Ashland, KY) - Total Capital Investment: Approximately $12,000,000 Total New Jobs Created: 53
- Develop and maintain communication and relationships with existing Kentucky companies
- Noteworthy Companies: Toyota, Ford, GM, Metalsa, New Flyer, FritzWinter, Toyota Tsusho, Toyota Boshoku, Magna, LHC Group
- Prepare written and web-based proposals showcasing the corporate climate of Kentucky
- Provide detailed information about taxes, methods of financing, incentive programs, labor laws, environmental compliance, transportation, energy, wages, workforce training, and other relevant topics impacting site location decisions
- Work with business executives and site selection consultants located worldwide, as well as coordinate marketing efforts with regional economic developers, elected officials, utility, and transportation partners
- Identify channels for promotion of Kentucky as a business location, including trade shows, missions, networking events and other promotional activities.
Associate Executive Director
Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council
12.2015 - 04.2018
- Assisted in hosting of prospective industrial clients
- Developed relationships with new businesses in efforts attract them to the region
- Researched demographic information and other data related to prospective new industry and business Maintained updated information pertaining to labor market
- Worked directly with economic development partners and organizations such as other Economic Development Organizations, State Associations, Cabinet for Economic Development, etc
- Promoted EDC and MMRC Industrial Park using social media and other networking outlets
- Noteworthy Projects: Assisted in initial recruiting phase for Independent Stave Company’s most recent Cooperage Facility Total Capital Investment: Approximately $66,500,000 Total New Jobs Created: 220
Education
Bachelor’s - College of Business and Technology
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY05.2015
High school or equivalent -
Rowan County Senior High School
Morehead, KY05.2011
Skills
- Business Development
- Case Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Strategic Communication
- Site Selection/Development
- Government relations
- Negotiation
- Project Management
- Client Engagement
Courses
Basic Economic Development Course, International Economic Development Council, August 2017
Links - Linkedin Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklyn-hesterberg-leep-361a4b155/
Board Memberships
- Elizabethtown Community & Technical College Foundation Board Member, 2023 – Present
- Spring View Hospital Board Member, 2023 – Present
- Marion County Chamber of Commerce Board Member, 2023 – Present
- Marion County Area Technology Center Board Member, 2021 – Present
- Lebanon Tourism Commission Board Member, 2021 – Present
Awards
Jim Walton Community Impact Award – 2023 Stand Up Rural America Conference – Laurel, Mississippi
Timeline
Executive Director
Marion County Industrial Foundation
02.2021 - Current
Senior Project Manager
Office of Community Services and Business Development
05.2018 - 01.2021
Associate Executive Director
Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council
12.2015 - 04.2018
Bachelor’s - College of Business and Technology
Morehead State University
High school or equivalent -
Rowan County Senior High School
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