By 1808Delaware
he Powell Development Corporation has completed a board reorganization and adopted a new code of regulations intended to sharpen the organization’s role in supporting economic growth across the city.
The updated code, approved in February, moves the organization into a committee-driven structure, with board members assigned to leadership roles tied to specific areas of economic development. Those areas include business retention and expansion, downtown vibrancy, entrepreneurship, tourism, and strategic real estate. Most board appointments were made during the corporation’s March 24 meeting. The final appointment, naming the real estate committee chair, was confirmed April 28, completing the transition.
Officers And Executive Director Named
At the April 28 meeting, the board also elected its 2026 officers and appointed Sean Hughes as the corporation’s first executive director. Hughes also serves as the City of Powell’s economic development administrator. City officials said the dual role is intended to improve coordination between city-led initiatives and the work of the development corporation.
“This reorganization represents a pivotal moment for Powell,” said Chairperson Steve Flaherty. “By bringing together leaders from education, finance and the regional entrepreneurial community, we are building a more connected system that supports business growth at every stage.”
City Manager Andy White said the changes fit within Powell’s broader economic development strategy, which was established through the city’s comprehensive plan and adopted by council in 2023.
“The City’s economic development strategy, established through a comprehensive plan and adopted by council in 2023, emphasizes a coordinated and forward-looking approach,” White said. “This reorganization positions the corporation to better implement those priorities and respond to the community’s evolving economic needs.”
Building On A 2010 Foundation
The organization was established by Powell City Council on May 5, 2010, as the Powell Community Improvement Corporation. City officials said the revised structure builds on that foundation while expanding the corporation’s capacity through more specialized leadership. The new committee structure is designed to give board members clearer areas of responsibility and bring additional focus to Powell’s economic development priorities.
Board Of Directors And Committee Chairs
The reorganized board includes:
- Chairperson and entrepreneurship committee chair: Steve Flaherty, director of the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University and founder and CEO of necoTECH
- Vice chairperson and business retention and expansion chair: Mark Goodwin, member of the Powell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and owner of Goodwin Insurance
- Treasurer and real estate committee chair: Shawn Keller, president, CEO and co-founder of Buckeye State Bank
- Secretary: Andy White, city manager
- Mayor: Heather Karr
- Olentangy Local School District representative: Ryan Jenkins, district treasurer
- Development representative: Philip Whitaker
- Downtown Powell committee chair: Meg Canavan, Visit Powell board director and consulting director at ERM
- Convention and visitors committee chair: Tim Wilson, executive director of Destination Delaware
- Executive director: Sean Hughes, economic development administrator for the City of Powell
Source: City of Powell
