Ashley Diekmann joins E-REP to lead River Vision efforts

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) has announce the appointment of Ashley Diekmann as the River Vision Advancement Director.

E-REP says in this role, Diekmann will lead the implementation of the Ohio River Vision Strategic Master Plan, a comprehensive initiative to create vibrant public space and drive new investment along fifty miles of Ohio Riverfront. She will assume her position on November 4.

Officials explain the River Vision Plan, developed by global landscape and planning firm Sasaki with input from nearly 10,000 area residents, provides strategies to improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and connect regional residents more strongly to the Ohio River and increase vibrancy and investment in regional downtowns.

“Since the rollout of our River Vision plan in May 2024, we’ve been searching for a leader who
can work each day to advance the plan’s objectives of creating a dynamic riverfront that
enhances amenities, adds housing and commercial spaces, as well as parks and trails across our
region,” said Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer of E-REP. “Her proven
leadership, coupled with her experience managing large-scale projects for both local and global
organizations, makes her an ideal choice to lead this transformational initiative. We are
confident she will drive progress on key projects like the schematic planning for Sherburne Park
in Downtown Mount Vernon, in-depth planning and pre-construction engineering in Downtown
Evansville, and conducting a study to address parking needs in Downtown Newburgh.”

E-REP says Diekmann currently serves as the Development Director of the United Way of Southwestern Indiana. In her new role, Diekmann will collaborate with local, state and federal units of government; public, philanthropic and commercial funders; architecture, engineering and design firms and residents and businesses throughout the Evansville region.

“I am inspired by E-REP’s mission to create a vibrant, inclusive Evansville Region that empowers
businesses and community leaders,” said Diekmann. “I look forward to bringing the Ohio River Vision Strategic Master Plan to life and contributing to a more connected, equitable and prosperous community.”

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