The Knox County Area Development Foundation (ADF) and the Knox County Land Bank have announced the appointment of Sam Filkins as their new President, effective immediately.
Since 2020, Filkins has served as Vice President of both organizations, where he led strategic initiatives. He successfully secured over $6 million in state grants for redevelopment projects and affordable housing in Knox County. Filkins played a significant role in revitalizing downtown properties and distressed neighborhoods, including the redevelopment of a commercial building in Mount Vernon and the construction of twelve affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity. He also collaborated with JobsOhio and One Columbus to enhance industrial site certifications and attract business opportunities to the region, according to the ADF.
Filkins holds the Development Finance Certified Professional designation and is a Certified Planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners. His work with local municipalities and organizations has strengthened county-wide strategic planning, fostered partnerships, and supported long-term regional growth, according to the ADF.
"I am incredibly honored to step into this role," said Filkins. "Knox County is a place I care deeply about, and I’m excited to continue working alongside my colleagues and collaborating with our county-wide partners to support the growth of Knox County communities."
The Area Development Foundation aims to create high-quality jobs, connect employers with job-ready workers, and support community growth in Knox County. As the main contact for economic development in the area, ADF provides services such as tax abatement, resource connections, and workforce solutions to local businesses. Knox County is represented by ADF for companies seeking new business locations within this rural community in the growing Columbus Region.
The Knox County Land Bank operates as a semi-government entity focused on revitalizing neighborhoods and preserving property values by returning vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent properties to productive use through a transparent process. In 2019, it impacted 33 parcels, redeveloped 41.5 acres, returned $1.46 million in value to tax rolls, created 34 jobs with a $2 million payroll, and facilitated $3.51 million in reinvestment.
