Twiss to step down at NEI to launch B.U.I.L.D.

Source: Inside INdiana

Ryan Twiss, vice president of regional initiatives for the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, is stepping down after 15 years with the organization to help launch a community-housing initiative.

“Leaving an organization that I grew up in is one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made,” Twiss said in a news release from the partnership. “I’m incredibly grateful for the work, the relationships, and the initiatives that I’ve led or supported along the way that have contributed to making our region a place that my wife and I are proud to raise our daughters in. I’m leaving to pursue one of those initiatives that has turned into a passion of mine.”

During his tenure, Twiss spearheaded numerous endeavors. He helped launch workforce development initiatives, founded the Northeast Indiana Colleges and Universities Network and led efforts to secure $95 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grants to support real estate and infrastructure investments.

“In his time with NEI, Ryan has led efforts across a variety of verticals, including some that have changed the literal landscape of the region,” Stéphane Frijia, president and CEO of NEI, said in the release. “It’s always hard to lose a key leader of your organization, but as an economic developer, I’m excited to see Ryan dive deep into addressing the housing shortage that’s inhibiting the region’s growth potential. As his friend, I’m happy that this new venture will keep him in the region.”

His last day will be February 14.

Twiss is moving on to help launch Mission: B.U.I.L.D., a developer of housing and workforce development opportunities in partnership with local communities.

Referring to “bringing unprecedented innovation to land development,” Mission: B.U.I.L.D. is a joint venture of financial technology and housing services provider Club 720 Solutions and contractor Pure Construction. Both are based in northeast Indiana.

“We could not be more excited to have Ryan take this leap to help launch Mission: B.U.I.L.D.,” said Heather Presley-Cowen, founder and CEO of Club 720 Solutions. “His unique experience and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to innovate how communities achieve housing goals, and we are so thankful for Stéphane and the whole NEI family for sharing him with us.”