NEW ALBANY, Ind. — The One Southern Indiana (1si) Board of Directors has approved a CEO transition and search plan to guide the organization during the next several months. Wendy Dant Chesser, current CEO and President, is resigning her position as of October 26, 2023, and this transition plan includes hiring a search firm for 1si’s next president and CEO and ensuring all duties and projects currently performed by the President are completed or transitioned to other staff members by this date.
The search committee, comprised of stakeholders, the Board of Directors, business members, and investors, will be led by Bryan Wickens, the current Chair of the Board of Directors. The search committee issued a Request for Proposals and will analyze and hire a search firm to facilitate the candidate identification and interview process.
“Wendy has done an excellent job for nearly 11 years, and we appreciate all she has done in guiding the organization,” noted Wickens. “We know that change can be challenging, but we truly have an incredible opportunity to build on her work and the wonderful foundation of 1si’s past accomplishments. We are committed to finding the leader we need today to take our organization and region to the next level.”
The committee plans to engage board members, business members, and stakeholders during the search process. If a candidate is not found or hired by Wendy’s last day, an Interim CEO will be considered until a permanent replacement is found. Chesser will continue her current projects and duties until her resignation date but will have a secondary lead for ongoing projects and duties.
“I am pleased with the transition plan that the Executive Committee has developed for the remainder of my time at 1si,” said Chesser, “1si is in good hands with the current team of leadership and staff and will continue the mission to help businesses thrive and innovate in Southern Indiana and Louisville metro area.”
