Community Development Group LISC Names New Executive Director

The Indianapolis office of the community development group LISC – The Local Initiatives Support Corporation – announced a new executive director on Thursday.

Tedd Grain has worked at LISC for almost 10 years, as a program officer and deputy director.

Grain says he wants to focus on a certain kind of development known as inclusive economic growth.

"At the same time as providing economic development for an area that's distressed, you can promote job creation that actually matches the skills and abilities and desires of the neighborhood residents," Grain says.

LISC works to improve the quality of life in urban neighborhoods by supporting and investing in local businesses and organizations.

Grain says Indianapolis is facing three key issues right now: poor economic mobility, life expectancy gaps, and a widening racial equity gap. He says LISC will focus on addressing all three.

Maurice Jones, president and CEO of LISC national, says in a statement that he's happy with Grain's promotion.

“He has deep connections in the neighborhoods where LISC works and strong relationships with funders that are committed to safe and healthy communities,” Jones says.

The Great Places 2020 initiative remains a focal point for the group's work in Indianapolis. The five-year project was designed to help families become financially stable in four key areas of the city.