Regional development agency gets new CEO

Mr. Monske, the city’s deputy mayor for external affairs, is scheduled to start at the partnership on March 14. During a Friday morning press conference, he said his approach to economic development will include partnering with private businesses, local governments, and such groups as the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Northwest Ohio Regional Economic ­Development Association.

“I promise to continue to push an expanding, collaborative way to work throughout the region, and promise to work with anyone that wants to be part of making this region a better place for all of us to live and work.” said Mr. Monske, 46.

As deputy mayor, Mr. Monske is paid $90,000 a year. He declined to discuss how much he will be paid at the partnership, which is privately held.

He played an instrumental role in negotiations with Chinese investors who plan to buy the city-owned Docks complex for $2.15 million, and is scheduled to attend a China trade mission in May with Mr. Bell and local business leaders. He participated in a similar trip in September.

This will be Mr. Monske’s second stint at the growth partnership. 

He was vice president of the agency before being named to Toledo Mayor Mike Bell’s cabinet in late 2009. Prior to joining the partnership in 2006, he held various local economic development roles, including executive director of the Oregon Economic Development Foundation, regional director for the Ohio Economic Development Association, and president of northwest Ohio economic development group.

The growth partnership’s CEO position had been vacant since Oct. 8, when Steve Weathers left to become president and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority in Georgia. He had led the local development group since 2005.