FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Feb. 8, 2012) — The Board of Directors for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance appointed Mick McCollum as interim President today. McCollum is the founding Chairman of the Board for the Alliance. He has been a board member since 2000 and will now serve as the Alliance’s interim President until a permanent replacement is hired. The Alliance's Board is expected to form a selection committee to begin a search for a full-time Alliance president.
“Mick has a wealth of knowledge to share, is committed to the mission of the Alliance and is a highly respected business leader and entrepreneur in this community,” stated Alliance Board Chair Jill Perillo. “We are exceedingly fortunate that Mick is willing to make his talents available to us during this important transitional period.”
McCollum is a graduate of Indiana University School of Business. He started his career in the United States Army, where he served as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He and his family later settled in Fort Wayne and in 1976, he started a technology business, Automation Engineering, in his garage. In 2011, McCollum sold his business, and decided to focus on his civic volunteer activities.
McCollum serves on several boards in the community, including The Canterbury School, the History Center, STARBASE Indiana, and numerous others that promote the development of Fort Wayne-Allen County. McCollum also served in the past as President of the Allen County Redevelopment Commission, identifying target areas for industrial development, economic development, and also undertaking infrastructure projects in the county.
"My experience from being a small business owner in Allen County and my service on community boards and commissions will allow me to hit the ground running as I transition into the Alliance,” said McCollum. “I am passionate about this community and I am excited to be in the position to assist with job creation through growing business in Fort Wayne-Allen County.”
"McCollum’s founding knowledge and understanding of the Alliance will allow him a smooth transition into interim President,” said Perillo. “His presence as interim President can only benefit the Alliance as we assess our current competencies and plan for the future.