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Alliance President & CEO John Haywood to Retire

The Findlay-Hancock County Alliance board of directors, led by Alvada Construction’s Richard Kirk, has announced that John Haywood, President and CEO, will retire effective August 13, 2021.

Haywood has served as President and CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance since 2011. John began his relationship with the Chamber and Economic Development twenty years ago, serving on both boards. Haywood had previously retired as Findlay Division Vice President of Whirlpool where he had worked for twenty-four years. Prior to Whirlpool, John had served as Director of Production & Distribution for Hickory Farms.

“The Alliance and the community as a whole are extremely grateful for John’s leadership both as a volunteer, and for leading the organization for the past ten years,” said Richard Kirk. “Under his guidance, The Alliance has a strong foundation creating a strong business environment led by a cohesive team in the areas of Economic Development – Chamber of Commerce – and Convention & Visitors Bureau. John has been instrumental in the evolution of the organization’s structure.”

Haywood will continue to support The Alliance with the process of selecting his replacement as well as continuing to support the organization’s overall mission.

A transition team has been launched to replace Haywood. The Alliance has formed a transition committee chaired by Kirk accompanied by Bill Life, Treasurer (Fifth Third Bank); Economic Development representatives Dave Blatnik (Marathon Petroleum Corporation) and Dave Cytlak (Blanchard Valley Health System); Chamber of Commerce representatives Brian Whitta (Flag City REALTORS) and Brian Young (Spectrum); and Convention & Visitors Bureau representatives Leslie Florea (Whitson Hospitality) and Joe Klein (Nickolas Asset Management).

Haywood will be recognized as this year’s Honorary Chairman at the upcoming Chamber Golf Tournament in August. The community is invited to a retirement reception that will be held on August 23, beginning at 3pm at the Findlay Country Club.