We're Bullish On Your Business

And we’ve built a big team to prove it.

Start with an economic development staff ready to help you find the perfect shovel-ready site or building for your business and connect you with the other resources you need.

Add an alliance of 21 distribution co-op CEOs and all the great people who work for them—people who know their local communities and can help give you a first-hand understanding of the economics, the infrastructure, the labor markets—everything that can help you get down to business faster here.

Put us together, and we’re one big team that’s totally committed to your success. We want you here—and we’re ready to get down to business right now.

Jonathan Faris

Economic Development Manager

Northern and Central Indiana

Contact:

j_faris@wvpa.com
317.481.2919

Region/Co-Ops Covered:

Northern and Central Indiana

Biography:

As the Economic Development Manager for Wabash Valley Power Alliance, Jonathan leads efforts to advance economic development opportunities with its 21-member distribution co-ops. This includes supporting business attraction, business retention and expansion, community development initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities to strengthen local economies and create long-term value for members.

A seventh-generation Hoosier, he has over 20 years of experience in economic development, community engagement, strategic planning, grant writing, and capacity building. Before Wabash Valley Power, he worked for a national consulting firm leading research and planning projects with clients across the United States.

Jonathan holds a B.A. in Political Science and History, and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University. He enjoys spending time with his daughter, attending concerts and sporting events, exploring rural America, and serving as a certified lacrosse referee.

Mike O’Grady

Economic Development Representative

Illinois

Biography:

As our part-time Economic Development Representative in Illinois, Mike works closely with key staff in member co-ops, business partners, and civic organizations to promote economic development initiatives of WVPA and member co-ops. He is able to leverage his professional experience, as he previously served as interim CEO, Vice President, and Director of Government and Investor Relations of the Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area. Mike has served in numerous community organizations, including the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, the Ecology Action Center Board, the Illinois Green Business Association Board of Directors, and the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal.

Zyan Miller

Economic Development Relations Specialist

Northwest Indiana

Contact:

z_miller@wvpa.com

Biography:

Zyan cultivates relationships with economic development organizations in northern Indiana. She also supports economic development outreach programs with our member electric cooperatives and nonprofit organizations. Zyan also collaborates with member co-ops on business retention and expansion strategies, and she manages our Workforce Automation Grant program.

Zyan previously worked as Community and Economic Development Operations Manager for the Jasper County Economic Development Organization. In the role, she helped manage programs to improve business resources and economic development opportunities in the county. Zyan also previously worked as a Customer Service Representative for Jasper County REMC.