Susan Borries Reed Selected as New President/CEO of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Sept. 25, 2026 — The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) today announced that Susan Borries Reed has been selected as its new President/CEO. Reed was chosen following an eight-month national search led by the executive search firm Jorgenson Pace.

Reed will begin her duties on October 19, 2026. She brings more than two decades of experience in economic development, public finance, municipal advisory, and community investment—work that combines strategic leadership with deep expertise in how businesses, local governments, and capital markets intersect.

“Susan Reed is an exceptional leader with a proven track record serving communities, advancing investment opportunities, and strengthening public-private partnerships,” said Valerie Peña, Chair of the BEDC Board of Directors. “After a thoughtful, comprehensive search process, we are confident she will guide BEDC’s continued growth and help deliver meaningful economic outcomes for Bloomington, Ellettsville, Monroe County, and our Uplands region.”

A Leader in Economic Development and Public Finance

Reed’s background includes senior leadership roles across investment banking, municipal advising, rating agency strategy, and economic development organizations. She has served as a Managing Director in a municipal advisor firm where she oversaw a bond transaction team, provided oversight for compliance and post-issuance responsibilities for hundreds of clients, and led sustainable public sector and resiliency-focused services. She also has extensive experience working directly with municipalities and utilities on financing strategies, disclosure approaches, and investor communications.

Earlier in her career, Reed served in legal and economic development roles supporting public finance and development initiatives, including bond counsel work for local government entities, leading economic development for a utility, and economic development programs at the state level.

Reed earned her J.D. from Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law and completed her undergraduate studies at Purdue University, with double majors in Communications (Advertising) and Political Science.

Search Process Led by Jorgenson Pace

Reed was selected after an eight-month search process conducted by Jorgenson Pace, which included extensive candidate outreach and evaluation by BEDC leadership and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the work of Jorgenson Pace and the many contributors to this important process,” said Paul Quick, chair of the BEDC Search Committee. “We believe Susan Reed’s experience and leadership style align strongly with BEDC’s mission and priorities.”

About Susan Reed

Susan Borries Reed is a licensed attorney in Indiana and South Carolina and has held professional credentials including registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission for municipal advisor roles and banker registrations. Her career reflects a consistent focus on helping communities attract investment, strengthen financial strategies, and build partnerships that support long-term growth.

About BEDC

The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to advancing economic development that strengthens the community, supports business growth, and fosters investment opportunities in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Monroe County, IN.

Contact: 

Valerie Pena, Chair of the Board of Directors
Bloomington Economic Development Corporation
Phone: 812-327-4637 | Email: vpena@iu.edu
Website: bloomingtonedc.com