Ted Herncane joins Barberton Community Foundation in June 

Dr. Suzanne Allen, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation, announced the Foundation will be welcoming Ted Herncane as the Foundation’s first Director of Economic Development.

“This is quite unique in the community foundation world,” Suzanne said. “This new position is possible because of the strength of the Foundation and the needs of the community. It presents an opportunity to work in greater partnership with BCDC and the City of Barberton to better focus on the challenges and possibilities with Barberton businesses.”

As the new Director of Economic Development, Ted Herncane will help the Foundation support current businesses, welcome new business, convene and facilitate conversations that leverage partnerships and investments in downtown Barberton and its corridors.

The duties outlined for the new role include:

• planning and coordination of community and economic development projects
• work with regional economic development associations to enhance the viability of Barberton
• assist in the creation of economic development plans, gather research, and make recommendations to Foundation partners.

Building stronger economic development partnerships was the focus of the Foundation’s Board of Directors most recent strategic plan.

Josh Gordon, Board Chair of Barberton Community Foundation, shared that the Foundation recognizes there are real economic needs in the community, including strengthening Barberton’s tax base and attracting successful businesses. 

“The Foundation hopes this needed role will put resources and talent behind our broader goals for developing the City’s economy and will supercharge our collaborations with the City of Barberton and BCDC. Our desire is to foster partnerships that result in impactful projects, and helping a variety of businesses to discover the great culture and community we have here in Barberton.”

Ted Herncane brings almost 10 years of public and private sector economic development experience working for the City of Massillon as Community Development Director, Executive Director of the Massillon Development Foundation, and President of the Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce. He currently works as the Director of Business Development for CIVPRO Engineering, a civil engineering firm located in Canton.

Suzanne added, “Ted brings the professional expertise and focus necessary to this new position, and we look forward to him joining our team.”

Ted will begin his new role at Barberton Community Foundation this June.