Carley Hauk Named Next Executive Director of Hancock Economic Development Council

Experienced economic development professional will join HEDC in November ahead of January leadership transition

The Hancock Economic Development Council (HEDC) has selected Carley Hauk as its next Executive Director, bringing an experienced economic development professional with a background in business attraction and strategic investment to the organization.

Hauk will join the HEDC in November, working alongside Executive Director Randy Sorrell before assuming the organization's top leadership role in January 2027. Sorrell, who announced his retirement earlier this year, will retire at the end of December after more than 25 years of leadership with the HEDC.

Most recently serving as Economic Development Manager for CenterPoint Energy, Hauk previously held several positions with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), including Director of Attractions for the Central Region. Her experience working with businesses, communities and economic development partners throughout Indiana positions her to build upon the HEDC's efforts to attract investment, support existing businesses and strengthen Hancock County's economy.

"Carley brings an outstanding combination of experience, energy and perspective to this position," said Matt Brauer, President of the HEDC Board of Directors. "Her understanding of Indiana's economic development landscape, coupled with her experience working directly with companies considering investments in our state, will be tremendous assets for Hancock County. Having Carley and Randy work together during this transition will also help ensure continuity as we prepare for this next chapter."

Hauk joined CenterPoint Energy in February 2026 after more than four years with the IEDC. During her tenure with the state's economic development agency, her roles also included Project Manager and Senior Project Manager for the Central Region.

Earlier in her career, Hauk served as a Project Manager for the Greater Columbus Indiana Economic Development Corporation, gaining experience in community-level economic development and business investment initiatives. She also served as a Program Manager for Adaptive Nursing & Healthcare Services.

Hauk earned both her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Indiana University Columbus. She grew up in North Vernon, Indiana and currently lives in Columbus, Indiana, with plans to relocate to Hancock County.

"I'm honored and excited to join the Hancock Economic Development Council and contribute to the continued success of Hancock County," Hauk said. "This community has tremendous assets, from its strategic location and strong business climate to the partnerships that have helped drive its growth. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Randy during this transition and build upon the foundation he and HEDC's partners have established. I look forward to building relationships throughout the county, supporting our existing businesses and helping position Hancock County for continued success."

Hauk's appointment comes as Hancock County continues to navigate opportunities associated with its growing industrial base, strategic location in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and emerging economic development initiatives.

Dr. Harold Olin, a past HEDC Board President, said the transition offers an opportunity to build upon the organization's longstanding role in Hancock County's economic development.

"Hancock County has experienced extraordinary growth, and the HEDC has played an important role in helping our communities respond to that growth and capitalize on new opportunities," Olin said. "Randy's leadership helped establish a strong foundation for the organization, and this transition provides an opportunity to carry that work forward. Carley brings valuable experience and a fresh perspective, and I'm pleased she'll have the opportunity to work alongside Randy as she prepares to lead the HEDC into the future."

Sorrell has served as HEDC Executive Director since 2019, having previously served on its Board of Directors beginning in 1999 and Executive Committee beginning in 2003.

As Executive Director, Hauk will lead the organization's continued work with local governments, businesses, utilities, educational institutions and regional and state partners to encourage responsible economic growth, support business retention and expansion, and advance Hancock County's long-term economic development priorities.