Our Team

Our team is the backbone of our organization, and we wouldn't be where we are, without them.

Alexis Fitzsimmons is a seasoned economic development leader with a dynamic background in both public and private sectors. As Executive Director of GROW Licking County, Alexis leads strategic initiatives that drive business growth, workforce development, and community prosperity across the region. She brings over 15 years of experience in economic and business development, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Prior to joining GROW Licking County, Alexis held key leadership roles with American Municipal Power and the City of Middletown, where she facilitated business attraction, managed complex incentive programs, and championed innovative community development strategies. Known for her collaborative spirit and strong communication skills, she has cultivated impactful relationships with government agencies, corporate partners, and local communities.

Alexis is passionate about fostering sustainable economic ecosystems and is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences. Her approach is grounded in strategic planning, responsiveness to stakeholder needs, and a commitment to long-term growth for the communities she serves.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ashland University and has continued her education through professional programs at the International Economic Development Council, National Development Council and the Ohio Economic Development Association.

Alexis A. Fitzsimmons

Executive
Director

alexisf@growlickingcounty.org

Gabriel Kelvin oversees GROW's Business Retention and Expansion Program and its workforce development efforts.

He holds a Master's in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government with a concentration in economic development, where he worked as a research assistant at the Harvard Project on Workforce and the Taubman Center for State and Local Policy's economic development program.

Gabriel is passionate about contributing to the healthy, sustainable, and positive growth in Licking County.

Gabriel Kelvin

Economic Development Manager

gk@growlickingcounty.org

Reaghan is currently the Marketing & Communications Manager for GROW Licking County. As Marketing & Communications Manager, she creates and manages content for social media, website, blog posts, email newsletters, advertising, and special events. She also serves on the Marketing Committee for United Way of Licking County and the Volunteer Champions Committee for Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. She is a member of Young Leaders of Licking County, the American Marketing Association (AMA), and the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA).

Prior to her role at GROW Licking County, Reaghan worked as a substitute teacher for Reynoldsburg City Schools and as Media & Community Activation Manager for Kurtz Hospitality Marketing in Nashville.

Reaghan received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Organizational Communication.

Reaghan Willison

Marketing & Communications Manager

rw@growlickingcounty.org