News
For Immediate Release
Jim Finan Named to Lead Hoosiers for Renewables
Granger, IN – November 28, 2022 – Longtime Indiana economic development expert Jim Finan is taking over as Executive Director of Hoosiers for Renewables, following the retirement of founder Steve Eberly. Finan is uniquely qualified for the new role, after enjoying a nearly lifelong career in the energy industry. He served first with Indiana Energy, Inc. (which became Vectren and then CenterPoint Energy) and later with Indiana Michigan Power, an operating division of American Electric Power.
Finan has earned credentials as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council and he has extensive experience in both economic, community and business development. He is the former executive director of the Rush County Economic and Community Development Corporation and economic and business development manager for Indiana Michigan Power’s north central Indiana and southwest Michigan territory, vice president of business recruitment for the South Bend|Elkhart Regional Partnership, worked as director of business and economic development for Abonmarche Consulting (a civil engineering & architecture firm operating out of South Bend), and was most recently CEO at ETHOS Innovation Center (a STEM and robotics education and innovation center located in Elkhart.)
“We have a tremendous opportunity to continue the momentum in the Hoosier state as we move toward a more diverse mix of energy sources and opportunity,” Finan said. “With well over 120 solar and wind projects either generating electricity now, under construction, or on the drawing boards, Hoosiers for Renewables wants to continue educating the public about the benefits of local and affordable renewable energy. Renewable energy sources are good for employers. And they’re good for consumers, landowners, farmers, and our communities,” Finan said. He holds both Bachelor of Science and Masters of Business Adminsitration degrees from Ball State University. He and his wife Ellen live in Granger and together have six children and nine grandchildren.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Steve Eberly for his forward thinking in establishing Hoosiers for Renewables back in 2019, as he saw the clear benefits of renewable energy in northwestern Indiana. Steve is a tireless advocate for what’s possible with renewables, criss-crossing the state for the past three years to convince others about the value of building up a responsible mix of renewable energy to meet our future needs,” Finan said.
Eberly is retiring after spending his life working to make his community better, as a County Commissioner, a member of the County Council, and as the Warren County Director Economic Development. He has been an active member of multiple regional and statewide organizations to promote economic growth in rural Indiana particularly with a passion for renewable energy and the benefits it provides to rural communities. After graduating from Purdue, Eberly stayed at the University as its Director of Food Stores to manage all facets of the enterprise for three decades before taking over as Warren County’s Director of Economic Development. For 11 years, Steve led many projects, including negotiating the $400 million Jordan Creek Wind Energy agreement. Steve and his wife, Jean, have been married for nearly 50 years and have two children and three grandchildren.
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About Hoosiers for Renewables:
Formed in 2019, Hoosiers for Renewables is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of local and affordable renewable energy and the positive impact of embracing renewable energy economic development in Indiana. Hoosiers For Renewables currently has over 20,000 supporters statewide. To learn more or to join our effort, please visit www.HoosiersForRenewables.com.