Image source: Susanna Tanner Photography

RICHMOND, Ind. – Valerie Shaffer didn’t set out to build a career in economic development. Today, as president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, she guides projects that range from workforce development to downtown revitalization.

“Really what drives this work is my love for this community,” said Shaffer. “I want to keep doing what I’m doing for my family, my friends, my community and the people that I know and love.”

Born and raised in Richmond, Shaffer graduated from Richmond High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana University East. From here, she entered a career in economic development unexpectedly.

Image source: Parkway Recollection

“Honestly, I did not have a passion for economic development. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into at the time,” she said.

She joined the Economic Development Corporation in 2005 as an administrative assistant.

“I was able to learn more and more about it over the years and eventually just fell in love with the profession,” she said. Shaffer held multiple positions with the EDC and briefly worked for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation before returning to lead the Wayne County organization in 2012.

“I was really nervous coming into this,” she said. “It was heavy and I had a lot to learn.”

Since then, the role has continued to evolve. Shaffer said the EDC used to just be traditional business development, which focused on recruiting new companies, supporting existing ones and industrial park growth.

“Over the years we’ve really grown to understand the importance of community development and how those assets really play into being able to support and recruit companies,” Shaffer said.

Today, the work includes housing initiatives, downtown revitalization, workforce development and neighborhood investment. Under Shaffer’s leadership, the EDC has launched initiatives including the Housing Accelerator Program, designed to address local housing shortages, and the Ready Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, which supports improvement projects across the county.

“I have this vision for what downtown Richmond is going to look like in three years. And it’s very different than what we see here today,” she said. “And I think that will be the most significant visible change that I’ll have been a part of in my career in the resurgence of downtown.”

Much of that work happens long before residents see the results. Shaffer said prior to a project being announced, there’s about a year’s worth of work behind it.

As president, Shaffer oversees a five-person team and describes her position as a project manager, coordinating a variety of initiatives across Wayne County. Her role involves keeping projects moving forward, connecting partners and making sure each component of a project is carried through. 

She credits collaboration and a shared vision as a key reason for recent progress, saying success comes when organizations understand their roles and work towards a common goal.

“I think it’s really about everybody having the same goals in mind and understanding the roles that we each play,” she said. "And not stepping on each other's toes, but walking alongside each other instead."

Shaffer said mentors and peers have helped her throughout her career and encouraged others to build similar support systems.

“Any opportunity that you can take to learn from others and to find a peer group that you can navigate issues with people you can call anytime,” she said.

Image source: Parkway Recollection

Outside of her work, Shaffer enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs. She also finds joy in hiking, gardening and cooking.

“Going on walks and then also cooking is a way I decompress,” she said. “I love to cook.”

While Shaffer is proud of the progress Wayne County has made, she believes the work is never finished.

“The great thing about economic development is that you’re never done, right?” she said. “There are always improvements to be made. There are always new projects to initiate.”

She also encourages anyone who wants to make a difference to find ways to get involved.

“If you’re really passionate about something, find an organization to volunteer at so that they can really channel that energy into making positive change and working alongside us.”