Elise Jones

Elise joined the GFW Inc. team in January 2023 and is responsible for assisting the economic development team in data collection, working on various area plans, and conducting on-site business visits.

As a December 2022 graduate of Ball State University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and development as well as a graduate certificate in sustainability. During her time at Ball State, she was awarded the university’s Top 100 Student award, served as the president of the student planning association on campus, and embedded herself into the Muncie community through consistent community service and volunteering. During the summer of 2022, she worked as the greenways and trails intern for the City of Fort Wayne, where she assisted in events such as Trek the Trails and Open Streets.

Post-college, Elise returned to her hometown of Fort Wayne as she is motivated by the vast possibilities of its future and captivated by the diverse communities which call Fort Wayne home. She currently serves as a representative on the board of directors for the Congress for the New Urbanism Midwest and looks forward to getting involved in local initiatives to better the community.