Patrick Longo, former director of the HCDC's Business Center and HCDC staple for 22 years, will replace Peg Moertl as the area business entity's president and CEO upon her departure.
"The board met and realized that we didn't know anyone who would be a better fit for the position than internal candidate Patrick Longo," says HCDC Board Chair Tim Blankenhorn on the move. "His more than two decades of service at HCDC, his experience of working with startup businesses and fellow startup ecosystem organizations in southwest Ohio, and his years of experience as director of the HCDC Business Center made him the obvious choice."
Longo has also been recognized externally for his work. The Small Business Administration named him 2007's Ohio Financial Services Champion of the Year; Cincy Magazine's 2017 Cool Tech Champion; and Forty Under 40 in the Cincinnati Business Courier's 2003 edition. He is also board member with CoMade and the Cincinnati Minority Business Collaborative, an advisory committee member with the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering & Applied Sciences and an advisory board member for the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.
"I couldn't be happier with the board's decision," Moertl said of Longo's appointment. "We have incredibly talented people in the HCDC organization."
Longo also expressed his excitement about the new opportunity.
"Thank you to the HCDC Board for this great opportunity to lead HCDC," he said. "For the past 22 years, I've been a part of this great organization and I've seen first-hand the amazing accomplishments of HCDC's incredibly talented team. HCDC's team has assisted clients, communities, and stakeholders in the areas of access to capital, economic development, and business incubation. I'm excited about continuing our engagement and assistance with the businesses and communities we serve!"
