RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, in cooperation with Holzer Health System and Ohio Valley Bank, hired Cole Massie as Director of Economic Development and Center for Entrepreneurship. Massie will be responsible for leading the university’s collaboration with the Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), community leaders, and other agencies to promote and grow Gallia County and the surrounding region’s business and economic development interests. He will also assist in developing a Center for Entrepreneurship at the university.

Massie joins the university from General Electric’s aerospace business in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he led external communications for the company’s multi-billion-dollar military engines franchise.

“Cole’s experience in the business world affords him a unique perspective, having worked for both a major, international aerospace company and a small, family-owned coffee shop and restaurant,” said Ryan Smith, president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. “His energy and commitment to improve not only Gallia County, but the entire region, is refreshing. We are very excited to have someone of his talent level working to improve the area we all call home.”

The position is funded by the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, Holzer Health System, and Ohio Valley Bank. The hire also comes as the University of Rio Grande has seen enrollment growth in recent years despite the pandemic. In 2021, the university launched an affordability plan that reduced the price of both tuition and room and board, easing the financial burden of getting a college degree. 

“I’m thrilled to be back in Southeast Ohio and have a hand in shaping the economic future of Gallia County and the region with the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College,” Massie said. “There are some major opportunities on the horizon that will require our region to collaborate, get creative, and think big. I'm confident we can take advantage of those opportunities together, build momentum, and offer people an even better region to live, work, and build a life.”

Massie is a native of nearby Jackson, Ohio, and a graduate of Jackson High School. He attended Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a dual degree in Public Policy and Public Relations. Massie spent nearly four years in multiple roles within General Electric’s marketing and communications division, primarily focused on military products, and is a graduate of its Communications Leadership Development Program.