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Economic Leader Cory Cochran Departing River Hills for New Venture
As executive director, he garnered over $115 million in state and federal grants for region
Jeffersonville, Ind. (June 5, 2025) – River Hills Economic Development District Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Cory Cochran is departing the organization to join the team at McRae Enterprises, where he will serve as the vice president of Sales, Marketing, and Commercial Development.
“I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished in my time at River Hills,” said Cochran, who first stepped into the organization’s leadership role on Jan. 6, 2020. “The organization was able to grow and increase our impact throughout the region thanks to the leadership and great team in place. Regardless of who is at the helm, River Hills will continue to be one of Southern Indiana’s greatest assets. They will continue to help the community leaders in this region with all their economic growth needs.”
During Cochran’s tenure, he was able to garner more than $115 million in state and federal grants to the region. Those monies helped recruit more than $3.4B in private investment, and he was able to expand River Hill’s reach and work across the region with old and new partners to impact Southern Indiana for generations.
“We are grateful to Cory for his leadership and the record of accomplishment he brought to River Hills and our region,” River Hills Board Chair Adam Dickey said. “With the collective professionalism and experience of our Executive Board, we look forward to the search for a dynamic leader to carry forward Cory’s work and continue to build our region for the future.”
In 2022, River Hills was hired by Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) to help projects progress toward implementation. Under Cochran’s leadership, the RDA received more READI funding than any other region across the state.
In fact, said RDA Chair Dana Huber, “We have dispersed more READI funds than any other region to date. And we have brought in more return on investment than any other region in the state. Cory and his team at River Hills have led the RDA during critical times and have done so with professionalism and expertise. We are sad to see Cory depart River Hills, but we are excited for him and his new opportunity. As River Hills transitions to find their new leader, the RDA is confident that the team in place will continue to progress the READI projects forward.”
Cochran’s last day at River Hills is July 4, 2025. During the transition, he and Dickey will assist with the day-to-day operations until a full-time Executive Director can be identified. “We hope to have the vacancy filled before October,” Dickey said.
McRae Enterprise President Micah McRae said the hiring of Cochran in his new role “is one we consider both a privilege and a major milestone. The respect he’s earned through his leadership at River Hills has elevated him to a level few achieve in this industry. He’s the kind of professional whose name carries weight—not just because of what he has accomplished, but because of how he accomplishes it.”
Beyond his skillset, Cochran brings a values-driven approach that “fits beautifully within the culture we’ve built at McRae,” McRae said. “He’s the kind of leader who elevates everyone around him, and we couldn’t be more excited to write this next chapter together.”
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