WHEELING — Regional Economic Development Partnership announced Wednesday that Don Rigby is set to leave his position as president/CEO on Dec. 31.

The board has named Josh Jefferson as the organization’s next president/CEO and also elevated Craig O’Leary to chief operating officer and Brian Komorowski to chief financial officer.

“I have enjoyed my 20 years as president/CEO of RED,” Rigby said. “Building and growing an organization that has created thousands of jobs has been the most rewarding part of my career in economic development.”

Jefferson joined RED in 2004 to help the organization’s growth in Marshall and Wetzel counties. Jefferson worked hard to build strong relationships with both business and governmental leadership. Additionally, he has led the organization’s efforts to upgrade high-speed internet in Wetzel County.

O’Leary joined RED in 2000 and has been the program director for the organization. Komorowski has been with the organization since 1997 he previously held the title of finance director.

“Our organization has a rich history of success and the newly formed executive team of Craig O’Leary and Brian Komorowski, along with our entire RED organization, are positioned to continue that tradition. While the current economic environment is certainly challenged, we are committed to assisting through this difficult test to forge a path toward the significant opportunities that lie ahead,” Jefferson commented. “I also thank Don Rigby for the mentorship that he has provided me.”

“The Board of Directors thanks Rigby for his years of service and his leadership to build a world-class economic development agency. It is amazing to see the number of projects and successes achieved under the leadership of Don,” continued John Culler, chairman of the RED Board of Directors. “The board is pleased with our selection of Josh Jefferson as the next president/CEO. In his career with RED, Josh has met every challenge that has come his way.”

Regional Economic Development Partnership’s mission is to create business opportunities in West Virginia by generating new jobs and stimulating the economy. RED Partnership is a one-stop resource for development programs as well as business environment, demographic, economic and community information in the Wheeling region, including Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties.