Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) announced today the hiring of Brian Hill as its new Manager of Engagement & Partnerships, effective Monday, June 2, 2025. 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.

Engagement is central to OhioSE’s role as a connector across the region. By building relationships, fostering awareness, and facilitating open communication, the organization helps align local, regional, and state-level efforts. This collaborative approach strengthens the partnership with JobsOhio by surfacing local priorities, increasing community readiness, and ensuring that opportunities are pursued collectively. Economic development is a shared effort—and thoughtful engagement is what brings it to life.

“Our region has a unique set of circumstances—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for the diverse economic landscape we serve,” said Bryson. “By engaging with our communities to understand their needs, serve as a resource, and apply the tools available through OhioSE and JobsOhio, we can help each community move forward in its own way.”

As Manager of Engagement & Partnerships, Hill will serve the eastern counties of the region. Bryson will continue to support the southern counties.

“We’re thrilled to have Brian join the OhioSE team. His leadership and deep understanding of eastern Ohio make him an ideal fit to serve in this role,” said Matt Abbott, OhioSE President and CEO. “With 25 counties to support, engagement is essential—and Brian will play a key role in ensuring communities across his area are connected, informed, and equipped to pursue economic opportunities. We encourage our partners to welcome him, connect with him, and continue the strong collaborations that move this region forward.”

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.