Effective Thursday September 2, 2021, Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp. Chairman, Ken Arneson (Evergreen), announced the appointment of Tricia Rathermel as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Oshkosh EDC. Former Interim CEO, Tricia Rathermel succeeds Jason White and immediately assumes administrative responsibilities. Jason White accepted a position with another organization closer to his hometown earlier this spring.
In her previous role as Director of Economic Development at Greater Oshkosh EDC, Rathermel administered $2.2 million in access capital funds including implementing a COVID-19 response fund for small businesses, secured an additional $35,000 in funding for Winnebago Catch-A-Ride in 2020, and provided business consulting, access capital, and site selection for projects of all sizes.
“Tricia joined our organization 18 months ago and had an immediate, positive impact on our outreach programs, our workforce development initiatives and loan programs. The staff have worked exceedingly well under her leadership and management during her interim role, and I have confidence the team will continue to excel and grow under her leadership as CEO of our organization,” said Ken Arneson. “She has exceeded our expectations and we look forward to her taking us to the next level as we serve our community and the greater Winnebago County region.”
Her other experience includes project management, marketing, and leadership roles at
Experimental Aircraft Association and Kohler Co. Career accomplishments include providing marketing plans for the $4.4 million annual campaign for EAA Aviation Foundation, launching a mobile marketing tour, managing operations on multimillion-dollar hotel renovations, and training staff to achieve the Forbes Five Star award at The American Club.
“The Board of Directors completed a thorough review of potential candidates from across the country and we are confident we found the right person to lead Greater Oshkosh forward in the years ahead. Tricia’s knowledge of the surrounding area as well as the Fox Cities made her the ideal person to lead our organization as we address the critical issues of business retention, workforce development and labor shortages that currently challenge our community and region.
I think Tricia will do an outstanding job and serve our community well in this role” said Amy Albright, Greater Oshkosh EDC Board of Directors and Executive Director at Oshkosh CVB.
Tricia Rathermel is a native of Wisconsin and an honors graduate of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
