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Southern Indiana economic development leader to strengthen statewide business development efforts and partnerships with local and regional communities
NEW ALBANY, IN (Sept. 1, 2026) – One Southern Indiana (1si) today announced that John Launius, Senior Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer, will depart the organization to join the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) as Senior Vice President of Regional Economic Development. Launius will begin his new role Sept. 8.
Launius has led 1si’s economic development efforts since 2022, supporting Clark, Floyd and Scott Counties and helping position the region for significant business growth and investment. During his tenure, the region secured more than $3.3 billion in new investment commitments including over 5,200 new jobs.
In his new role, Launius will work with communities and regional economic development organizations across Indiana as part of the IEDC’s business retention, expansion, attraction and lead generation efforts. He will bring the regional perspective, relationships and best practices developed through his work in Southern Indiana to a statewide team focused on business growth and investment.
“Economic development works best when the state and our local and regional partners are pulling in the same direction,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “John understands that because he has lived it. He knows what businesses and communities need from the state, and he brings the relationships, experience and business mindset to help us deliver.”
“John’s leadership over the past four years has been instrumental in positioning Clark, Floyd and Scott Counties for unprecedented economic growth, helping drive more than $3 billion in capital investment to our region,” said Lance Allison, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “While we will certainly miss John at 1si, we are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and excited to see him take his talents to the IEDC, where we know he will make an even greater impact for communities across the state.”
Launius previously held executive leadership positions with Ivy Tech Community College’s Sellersburg Campus and Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI). He currently serves as Board Chair of the Indiana Economic Development Association and was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect in 2025.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the IEDC and build on work I care deeply about – helping businesses grow, communities thrive and Hoosiers find greater opportunity,” said Launius. “Working at the regional level has shown me what is possible when local leaders, regional partners and the state work together around a common goal. I look forward to bringing that perspective and the best practices I’ve learned in Southern Indiana to the statewide team, while learning from communities across Indiana and helping ensure every region is positioned to compete and succeed.”
About 1si
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce for Clark and Floyd Counties. Since 2023, 1si expanded economic development services into Scott County. 1si’s mission is to help businesses thrive in Southern Indiana. For more information, visit 1si.org.
