Cicero, IN – The Town of Cicero has hired Shae Kmicikewycz to fill the newly formed position of Community Development Specialist for the Town. The position was created to assist the Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission in the development and implementation of projects to strengthen economic development opportunities and increase the overall quality of life for the Town of Cicero.
“We saw a need for this position within the Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission to be able to assist our Planning Director, Paul Munoz, develop and implement projects to grow our community,” stated Town Board President, Brett Foster. “The Town wants to support growth and development within Cicero and we believe that Shae will bring the kind of knowledge and experience to help us pull all of the pieces together that we need to make our community a destination for businesses, residents, and visitors.”
Prior to being hired to work for the Town, Shae was a team member of the Lt. Governor’s Family of Business as the Indiana Main Street Program Manager for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. She worked with 127 local Main Street organizations across the State to develop sustainable organizations to revitalize their downtown areas. Shae was able to assist communities in their organizational efforts by facilitating numerous project planning sessions, board retreats, and strategic visioning meetings across the State.
“I loved my time with Indiana Main Street and working with so many wonderful and unique communities, but I am so excited to begin this new challenge as the Community Development Specialist for the Town,” added Shae.
She began her position on January 5th, which some of her responsibilities will include: communication and marketing, grant administration, project development, implementing strategies for business attraction, and working with Our Town Cicero on downtown enhancement.
“We believe this position will give the Town a better opportunity to find funding resources through grants, to build and strengthening local, regional, and State partners, and continue the energy and excitement for Cicero’s future,” said Town Board Vice President, Chad Amos.