The Orange County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors appointed Skylar Whiteman as the new Executive Director, effective August 21, 2023, replacing Kristal Painter. Painter served as the Executive Director for three years before resigning to join the team at Radius Indiana, the 8-county regional economic development partnership.
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.
“I am incredibly excited to join the team at OCEDP! I love Orange County and want to contribute to creating more opportunities in our community at all stages of life. There are so many positive things happening and I hope to continue to build relationships, strengthen our partnership, and help our community grow.” -Executive Director, Skylar Whiteman
“After helping support strong growth in several areas of the Orange County’s economy, the Orange County Economic Development Partnership, OCEDP, was put in the position of having to replace its Executive Director. A number of very good candidates were considered . Skylar Whiteman was chosen from this list by the Board of Directors based on her extensive experience in managing relationships and her knowledge of Orange County. We look forward to Skylar helping the business community of Orange County to even bigger and better things. “ -OCEDP Board Vice President, Ken Schnaus
“I am extremely confident in Skylar’s leadership and passion for Orange County. She has been a leader in our community for 5 years and will be able to hit the ground running with all the exciting projects that are taking place in the county! ” Kristal Painter, COO of Discover Southern Indiana