Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority Reviews Applicants for Executive Director Position

ZANESVILLE, OH – The search continues for a new executive director at the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority following Matt Abbott’s resignation. Board members met Thursday morning to review applicants.

The Port Authority has received around nine resumes so far for the position, but the application process will remain open until a candidate is chosen. The board is looking for someone with a strong understanding of economic development programs and the local community.

“The role of the Port Authority is to help businesses expand and help us attract new businesses into the area. Those programs that we have is something that is part of our tools in the tool kit to help grow business. So, having a good understanding of those programs, but also an understanding of the community and the types of businesses that we have here,” Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority Vice Chairman Mike Bennett said.

Abbott stepped down to become the President and CEO of Southeast Ohio Economic Development. He left a lasting impact on the Port Authority, leading several successful projects during his time as executive director.

“He had a number of successes in terms of the AMG project which was a $300-million project at Eastpointe. The National Road Business Park being developed and now we have a SPEC building that will be finished at 200,000 square foot in the spring,” Bennett said. “Abbott really was a strong leader for the organization. He’s in a position to continue to help us with Ohio Southeast, so he’s someone that we’ll continue to look to for guidance and for assistance. We will miss him, but we’re looking forward to continue to work with him.”

The board hopes to fill the position soon, but says they’ll take the time needed to find the best fit.