Gov. Mike Braun has appointed Mitch Frazier, president of Indianapolis Business Journal Media, as the next leader of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the administration announced Thursday. Frazier’s selection takes effect Oct. 5, when he will assume responsibility for the state agency charged with business recruitment, economic incentives and statewide investment strategy.
Transition and timing
Frazier will succeed Josh Richardson, who will depart the IEDC to return to the private sector effective Oct. 2. The change in leadership comes as the Braun administration reiterates its goals to expand business opportunities and attract capital to Indiana.
| Position | Name | Transition date |
|---|---|---|
| IEDC President (outgoing) | Josh Richardson | Oct. 2, 2026 |
| IEDC President (incoming) | Mitch Frazier | Oct. 5, 2026 |
Administration rationale
The governor’s office described Frazier as an "experienced business leader" who will work alongside Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich to press the administration’s agenda on economic growth and job creation. Braun said the appointment aligns with efforts to make Indiana a leading state for living, working and investing.
"Mitch understands Indiana, he understands business, and he knows what it takes to turn ideas into results," Braun said in a statement.
Qualifications and background
Frazier comes into the post after leading IBJ Media. His resume includes executive roles at AgriNovus Indiana and Reynolds Farm Equipment, time on active duty with the U.S. Army, and service in federal civilian public affairs. He also previously worked in state government as director of media relations at the IEDC, a role that gave him prior exposure to the agency’s operations.
In a statement, Frazier expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said he intends to work with IEDC staff and partners across the state to accelerate private investment and economic development.
"Indiana is home to great companies, talented people and strong communities who share a passion to build the next chapter of our economy even stronger," Frazier said.
What this means for businesses and communities
Leadership at the IEDC shapes how the state markets itself to outside investors, designs incentive packages and coordinates workforce and industry strategies. Frazier’s mix of private-sector and public-affairs experience could influence how the agency communicates value propositions to companies and negotiates deals to bring jobs to Indiana.
- Coordination with Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich will determine near-term priorities for investment and business attraction.
- Frazier’s private-sector background may shift emphasis toward partnerships with media, agriculture-tech, and manufacturing stakeholders.
- Continuity is expected in ongoing projects while the agency completes the leadership transition in early October.
Outgoing president reflects on tenure
Richardson, who became IEDC president in October 2025, said he was proud of the agency’s work during his tenure and voiced confidence in the direction established by Secretary Goodrich. He indicated he will move to a role in the private sector after Oct. 2.
"It's been an honor to serve Indiana and to work alongside a talented team committed to creating opportunities for Hoosiers," Richardson said.
Next steps and local impact
Frazier will formally take the helm on Oct. 5 and begin engaging with the IEDC’s internal teams, local economic development officials and business leaders. Observers will be looking for early signals on priorities such as targeting industries for recruitment, workforce development initiatives, and whether the agency will modify incentive strategies under his leadership.
For communities and companies that track state-level economic policy, the appointment underscores the Braun administration’s priority to keep economic development leadership closely aligned with its broader growth goals.
Reporting for WE NEWS — Trevor Lindqvist, state correspondent.
