The Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority Board of Directors voted at its May 17th meeting to name Patty Huddle as the organization’s new president, effective June 1st. Current President Jean Carter Ryan’s last day in the office will be June 2nd.
Huddle has served as the Finance Authority’s vice president since joining the organization in May 2020.
Huddle was selected after a thorough search and interview process led by consultant Beecher Hill and an internal search committee. “The board was so pleased that Patty accepted this opportunity to lead our organization. Her extensive economic development experience, knowledge of the local market, and close work with Jean helped separate Patty from other candidates,” said Finance Authority Board Chair Ralph Abbott.
Huddle is just the second president to serve the organization. Ryan joined the Finance Authority at its inception in 2007 and served in the role since. “The Finance Authority is a port authority, and the role of president requires a unique set of skills,” said Abbott. “Jean established a model that balances financial knowledge, diplomatic savvy, and a collaborative spirit. She earned the respect of a broad network of partners and clients. We look forward to Patty carrying on these values.”
Huddle has deep development experience at the local, state, and regional levels. Prior to joining the Finance Authority, Huddle served as senior vice president of economic development for One Columbus, where she worked for nearly nine years. She has also served as a special project manager for the Ohio Department of Development and as deputy city manager of economic development for the City of Upper Arlington. A longtime resident of central Ohio, she earned her B.S. in Business Administration and International Business at The Ohio State University.
“I’m truly excited to continue the important work of the Finance Authority as we finance projects that increase local investment and generate living-wage jobs in the Columbus Region,” said Huddle. “There are so many opportunities to use our programs to help support desired development in this fast-growing market.”
Among other activities, Huddle has helped raise the Finance Authority’s profile through new marketing and communication activity, and helped develop several new programs, including the Neighborhood Improvement and Small Business Loan program and a revolving loan fund for minority-owned businesses.
The organization is recruiting to fill the void resulting from Huddle’s promotion.