Two people join OhioSE Business Development | News, Sports, Jobs

Blauvelt

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) has announced two people, Gloria Blauvelt and Brian Hill, are joining the program.

Blauvelt is joining the OhioSE Business Development team. In this role, Blauvelt will represent OhioSE and JobsOhio in business development efforts to robustly market the 25-county region to attract new capital investment and jobs creation.

Working in partnership with OhioSE leadership and the JobsOhio business development team, Blauvelt will lead in proactive business development outreach, lead generation, and strategic marketing of sites.

“I’m excited to step into this new role in business development after serving in several capacities at OhioSE, from managing site development to leading high-impact projects across our region,” said Blauvelt. “That experience has given me a 360-degree view of what it takes to build lasting partnerships and drive investment. As I take on the task of attracting new companies to Southeast Ohio, I’m confident in the strength of our region, from our ready sites and new speculative buildings to the local partnerships that make success possible.”

Blauvelt has served as Project Manager for regional economic development in Adams, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton counties. She has been with the organization since 2022 and will continue to serve as a project manager in addition to her new responsibilities.

Hill

Before joining OhioSE, Blauvelt worked in the leadership development and policy advocacy sector as well as in local government in Central Texas, leading initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents. Born in Mexico, she has dedicated her career to improving life outcomes for the communities she lives and serves, including southeast Ohio, which she now calls home. She holds a bachelor’s in philosophy from the University of Texas-Pan American and a master’s in public administration from the University of Texas-Arlington.

Hill is joining the OhioSE Team as Manager of Engagement & Partnerships.

Hill succeeds Ed Looman, who retired last August after decades of service in economic development across Southeast Ohio.

Hill will join Destiny Bryson on the OhioSE Engagement Team. Together, they will collaborate with local economic development organizations, elected officials, and partner entities across OhioSE’s 25-county region. Their work will focus on strengthening relationships, promoting regional awareness, and supporting job-creating projects through technical assistance, education, research, and funding resources.

“I’ve dedicated my career to helping eastern Ohio grow, and I’m excited to now focus that experience on advancing economic development in the region,” said Hill. “I look forward to working with our communities and partners to build on local strengths and help move the region forward.”

Hill brings more than 40 years of experience in public service, business leadership, and agriculture. Most recently, he served as General Manager/CEO of Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative, where he focused on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.

His public service career includes terms as an Ohio State Senator (20th District) and State Representative (97th District), where he chaired the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and was actively involved in energy, utility, and environmental issues. He began his public service career as a Muskingum County Commissioner.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Hill is a recipient of multiple honors, including the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture Award, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Beef Industry Service Award, and several Legislator of the Year recognitions. In addition to his public service, he spent 20 years as a field representative with ADM Alliance Nutrition and continues to manage Hill Family Farms, raising beef cattle and crops.