3 minute read
She glows Ellen Cutter
she glows
ELLEN CUTTER
It takes a village to make our community better, and Ellen Cutter is certainly someone you want in your village. The wife, mother of three, and economic development leader has made waves in the decades she has called Fort Wayne home.
Her love affair with the city began upon her first visit here. Her husband was entertaining a job and possible relocation, and they were left with a favorable impression of the area and all that it has to offer. The rest is history, as they say.
“We saw the potential of Fort Wayne and how the community’s leadership really got it,” she said. “And they were doing the right things to advance the community. So that was enough for us to take the leap and move here. Fort Wayne has exceeded all our expectations. We absolutely love it here.”
Cutter is no doubt taking center stage herself in the city’s transformation, as Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s vice president of economic development.
“The thing that I love the most is getting to play a role and turning possibilities into reality,” she said. “And working with really talented people, community members and neighbors. It’s really a privilege. I mean, we have fun, but it’s hard work. But at the end of the day, it’s about building a community that benefits everyone. That’s what motivates me.”
For instance, she’s enjoyed seeing the development of the parks system and the riverfront — and is excited about what’s to come. The same goes for the proliferation in public art in our region, which Cutter attributes to the community becoming more open and inclusive.
And her hard work has paid off. Cutter was honored with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) “40 Under 40” list for 2019. The award honors the best and brightest young professionals in the chamber industry. Cutter — who was nominated by her boss John Urbahns — said it represents a milestone for her professionally.
In her words, “it was a nice capstone. I think in taking into account what I’ve done so far in my career, it really caused me to think a lot about what I hope to accomplish in the next 20 years.”
Speaking of accomplishments, her wins are not limited to her workplace. Cutter carves out time for volunteerism, serving on the board for the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Williams Woodland Park Neighborhood Association and American Planning Association.
Whether professional or personal pursuits, Cutter said there’s someone in particular who deserves credit for cheering her on. Her husband, Weston, has been instrumental in shaping her trajectory.
“He has really helped me to build a network of support, so that my family can be my number one focus,” she said. “And because I’m supported by a network that helps me balance everything, I can show up and bring my A game in my job, as well. So, I think my kids see how a strong marriage can support a strong career.” a
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