Port Authority Introduces New Executive Director

The new executive director of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority took office Monday.  

The board named former Foxfire Assistant Superintendent, Matt Abbott to the position last week. Abbott said as he stepped into his office Monday morning, he got right to work. He said he’s been reading things Mike Jacoby put together before leaving the Port Authority. 

"A lot of reading, and getting to know some projects that could potentially happen in our area but also be cognizant of the projects that are already here, the business that’s already here," Abbott said about getting started in his new role. 

Abbott has not had a position dealing with economic development before, but he said being a life long resident of Muskingum County and having strong community ties will allow him to spur growth in the county. He said he’ll work hard to find the right answers for the county. 

"I didn’t have all the answers moving forward with some of those different positions, but I have the ability to seek out those answers with my ability to research, and that’s what I’m going to do with this job," he said. 

To help make a seamless transition, Abbott said he is meeting with Jacoby later this week to get potential leads for continued economic growth.