HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-2013 Department of Community Investment Announces New Assistant Executive Director SOU TJJ 8F
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2013
Contact: Scott Ford
Phone: 574-235-9371
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ANNOUNCES
NEW ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Fielding Will Take Lead Role in Business Development
SOUTH BEND The City of South Bend and Department of Community Investment on
Monday announced the hire of Chris Fielding as the department's Assistant Executive Director.
"Chris Fielding is a positive, passionate leader with strong experience in workforce development,
construction, and real estate," said the department's Executive Director Scott Ford. "Having
worked in both the private and public sector, Chris brings an entrepreneurial mindset the role,
which will be helpful in his efforts to spearhead a number of initiatives in Community
Investment's business development team. We are thrilled to have him join us in our efforts to
address community and economic development in an integrated fashion."
"I am excited to develop relationships with local business owners and provide them with
valuable assistance to add to their operation and enhance the economic vitality of South Bend,"
said Fielding.
Fielding is a native of Michigan City, Indiana, and has spent the last 24 years living and raising a
family in the South Bend/Mishawaka area with his wife Mindy. Chris began his career in the
private sector operating a real estate development and construction company with an emphasis
on single family home construction and commercial adaptive re-usage.
In 2001, Fielding was the developer and co-owner of the Beanery Gourmet Coffee and Cafe in
downtown Mishawaka until selling the business in 2005. After selling his businesses, Chris
focused on his career in the non-profit sector working for the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren
Workforce Development Board in multiple progressive roles.
1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING•227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD•SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-9261 • FAx 574/235-9892 • TTD 574/235-5567
Fielding has spent the last six years working with community stakeholders and at-risk youth in
Benton Harbor,Michigan with a focus on the integration of community development and
workforce development activities. As the Chief Development Officer, Fielding led a team
charged with transforming community problems into opportunities for economic growth and job
training.
Fielding was responsible for project design and implementation of multiple initiatives along with
grant writing and fund-raising activities to support these efforts.
While working to improve the region, Fielding continued to focus on improving himself through
a dedication to lifelong learning and earned a Masters in Social Work from Indiana University
South Bend and a certification in Kaizen Lean Six Sigma change management through the
Whirlpool Corporation.
Fielding's first day is today, February 18,2013.
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