March 5, 2018 - Fort Wayne Community Development Director Greg Leatherman announced today that he will retire from his position effective April 12, 2018.

Leatherman has 20 years of experience in local government. He has served as the Community Development Director since 2014 and prior to that was the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Administrator and the Brownfield Manager. His private sector experience includes leadership positions at CBRE Sturges and ATC Environmental Consulting.

Under Leatherman’s leadership, the Redevelopment Commission helped bring baseball to downtown Fort Wayne and kicked off a resurgence that is still underway today. Parkview Field and The Harrison have made way for The Courtyard, Cityscape Flats, Skyline Plaza, Randall Lofts, Riverfront Fort Wayne, and even more developments to come. In his work as CD Director, he has supported the production of the Downtown Blueprint 2016 update, ongoing development of affordable housing opportunities such as Bottle Works Lofts, and dozens of commercial façade grants to small businesses.

“Greg has been a dedicated public servant with a commitment to helping move Fort Wayne forward in the right direction,” said Mayor Henry. “I have respected and appreciated Greg’s willingness to take leadership roles in important and challenging projects that have had positive outcomes for our community and region. His efforts have assisted us in our position as a recognized leader in successful live, work and play initiatives.”

“I have been honored to work for four exceptional leaders, Mayors Moses, Helmke, Richards and Henry,” said Leatherman. “They have each worked tirelessly to advance our community and serve the citizens with integrity and vision. Perhaps one of my fondest memories is helping to clean up the old Falstaff Brewery property, where we removed and recycled more than 440 tons and two million glass bottles. I am also grateful I had the opportunity to help restore the site of the former Bowser Pump Factory. Finally, I want to thank the many colleagues and community members I have worked with over the years; their professionalism and dedication to this city has made my work truly enjoyable and rewarding.” 

Mayor Henry will be interviewing potential candidates for Community Development Director and plans to appoint a successor within the next several months.