Rural Business Innovation Announces Leadership change

RBI has had recent changes to its leadership position. Kelly O’Brien Gavin has stepped down from her position as Executive Director of Rural Business Innovation to pursue a fulltime position as Executive Director of the Berwick Industrial Development Association (BIDA). Her decision was not made lightly.

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Although Kelly enjoyed her 10+ years working at RBI she felt the change was necessary and knew she was leaving the organization in capable hands. As RBI moves forward we will continue to work with Kelly in her capacity at BIDA as a colleague in the economic development of our region.

Due to necessity this change came swiftly and without much preamble. After discussion on how this change would effect RBI, the Rural Business Innovation Board members called a vote to name the new Interim Director of the organization. After a unanimous decision made on July 19th, 2019, LuCinda Craig, became the new Interim Director of RBI. With the Director role, LuCinda also picks up the mantle of GSKIZ Coordinator.

Since the end of July, LuCinda has been working with Kelly to fully transition into the new role. The transition has been smooth, her having been with RBI for 6 years. The last 3 years in the capacity of Office Manager. During that time Ms. Craig worked closely with the director to become fully aware of the day-to-day operations of RBI. She has maintained the office, coordinated events, been present at all board meetings, managed major aspects of client reporting and RBI financials.

When speaking about the transition, Ms. Craig says:

My mission throughout the last month and a half has been to become acquainted with my new responsibilities as Director and GSKIZ Coordinator, while maintaining stability and consistency for everyone involved with RBI. My goal for the future is to continue the growth that Kelly O’Brien began and find new ways to raise awareness of RBI and the programs it offers." 

By accomplishing what she sets out to do, RBI will be able to carry on its mission of aiding entrepreneurs and small business in identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities that help build a sustainable local economy.

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About RBI:
Rural Business Innovation, based in Bloomsburg, Pa., is the result of a shared vision and mission by the Board of Directors from both the Greater Susquehanna KIZ and the Rural Enterprise Development Corporation. RBI creates and fosters local job growth by aiding entrepreneurs, newly formed start-up companies, and mature companies in identifying and capitalizing on new ideas and opportunities. RBI and strategic partners are creating the environment to keep and attract talent to the Central PA region. RBI manages the Keystone Innovation Zone and the Local Enterprise Assistance Programs (LEAP).
For more information, visit www.ruralbusinessinnovation.org.
Follow RBI on Facebook www.facebook.com/GSKIZ and Twitter www.twitter.com/RBI_Corp