Wilson to lead Simpson Industrial Authority
Published 6:00 am Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Meredith Wilson, executive vice president at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, answers questions in her office on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.
(Daily News File)
Meredith Wilson, who has served for 13 years at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, has been named as the next head of the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, following former leader Jim DeCesare who resigned from the position in February this year.
“Simpson County has been successful,” said Wilson, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer for the chamber. “They were ranked number one for communities their size last year, so (I’m) excited about the opportunity to help them realize that growth.”
Wilson’s move to the position was announced in a press release sent by FSIA Monday. It states that in her time at the chamber, Wilson has guided the purchase of more than 900 acres of land to be used for economic development and negotiated over $6 billion in industrial revenue bond incentives.
She has also led the chamber’s talent development program for K-12 students, called SCK LAUNCH. The release states the program now reaches more than 24,000 students across Southcentral Kentucky. She also served as the interim president and CEO of the chamber following the resignation of former head Ron Bunch last November.
Attracting higher-wage, advanced manufacturing developments will be a focus for Wilson going into the role, and retaining business in the community will be a top priority going forward.
“The reality is, 85% of all economic development comes from your existing businesses,” she said. “Ensuring their success is the best thing that we could do as a community, and so they will be my first priority.”
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The announcement comes roughly six and a half months after Jim DeCesare, a former state representative, announced he would step down as head of the FSIA. DeCesare had led the organization since the fall of 2024, after serving as its interim leader.
Steve Compton, FSIA board chair, stated in the release that Wilson’s tenure at the chamber made her a “natural fit” to lead the authority.
“(Wilson) brings exactly the combination of experience and relationships this position requires,” Compton stated. ” … We are confident she will build on the Authority’s strong foundation and lead our next phase of growth.”
Wilson will enter the role Sept. 28.
About Jack Dobbs
Jack covers city government for the Daily News. Originally from Simpson County, he attended Western Kentucky University and graduated in 2022 with a degree in journalism.
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