By Dawn Brand Fluhler—
MUNCIE, IN – Forge ECI, the regional economic development organization representing nine counties across East Central Indiana, has announced the appointment of Caitlin Hancock as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Hancock, who has served as Interim President/CEO since May, assumes the role permanently following a nationwide search.
“Caitlin emerged as the clear choice among more than 20 candidates,” said Garrett Doan, Chair of Forge ECI’s Board of Directors. “Her decade of experience within the organization, her proven leadership, and her passion for East Central Indiana distinguished her throughout the process. The Board is confident she will guide Forge ECI and our region to even greater success.”
A Decade of Service and Leadership
Hancock first joined Forge ECI (formerly East Central Indiana Regional Partnership) in 2015 as Director of Administration and Marketing, later serving as Vice President of Strategy & Operations. She was named Interim President/CEO in May 2025 and has now been selected to officially lead the organization.
Over the past ten years, Hancock has played a pivotal role in shaping Forge ECI’s strategy, guiding operations, and spearheading initiatives that strengthen business and talent attraction across the region. Most recently, she was instrumental in planning Forge ECI’s 20th Anniversary Gala, which drew approximately 250 attendees and featured a Fireside Chat with Governor Mike Braun.
Hancock holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Indiana Wesleyan University and earned her Economic Development Certificate from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute in 2024.
Advancing Regional Initiatives
In her new role, Hancock will lead the region’s efforts to maximize the impact of both READI 1.0 and READI 2.0, which together represent $50 million in transformational investment for East Central Indiana. By building on the progress already underway and strengthening collaboration with the local economic development organizations, she will help position the region to accelerate innovative projects, attract new opportunities, and create long-term regional prosperity that benefits all communities across East Central Indiana.
Her first steps as CEO will also include expanding Forge ECI’s team by hiring a successor for her previous position to strengthen organizational capacity.
“I am honored to lead Forge ECI at such an important moment for our region,” Hancock said. “Together with our partners, we are forging the future of East Central Indiana and growing our population by attracting new residents and supporting those who choose to build their businesses and lives here. This work is about creating opportunities that will strengthen our communities today and ensure a vibrant, thriving region for generations to come.”
Forge ECI invites community leaders, businesses, and organizations to connect and explore how to collaborate in shaping the region’s future.
About Forge ECI
Established in 2005, Forge ECI is dedicated to fostering economic growth in the East Central Indiana nine-county region as the lead economic development marketing and business attraction organization. Through collaboration with local economic development organizations and the state’s lead agency – the Indiana Economic Development Corporation – Forge works to attract new investment, support existing industries, and enhance the quality of life, place, and opportunity for all residents.
For more information, visit www.forgeeci.com.
