Learn more about Associate, Melissa Petrie in her Staff Spotlight, where she shares her interests and motivations.
Throughout the year, MKM architecture + design (MKM) shuts down our Fort Wayne office to host a public event we affectionately call the “Fishbowl.” It’s an afternoon where we invite some of our closest and most interesting friends to reflect on their careers, share their work, and discuss their ideas. With topics ranging from artificial intelligence to social justice, the Fishbowl is intended to provide an intimate venue to talk, share, and learn about innovations in community health and well-being.
On March 14th at 3:45 p.m., the Fishbowl will feature John Urbahns. John joined Greater Fort Wayne Inc. (GFW Inc.) in 2014. Prior to his appointment as CEO in 2019, he served as executive VP of economic development. At GFW Inc., John has led an economic development team that has assisted with over 200 business expansions and relocations in Allen County, resulting in more than 15,000 new jobs, over $670 million in new annual payroll and $3.8 billion in new private investment.
Prior to joining GFW Inc., John served as the director of community development for the City of Fort Wayne, where he managed the City’s strategic planning, redevelopment, housing, economic development, and neighborhoods services team dedicated to excellence in public service.
John has managed and negotiated aspects of several transformational community investments and has facilitated comprehensive, downtown, and neighborhood planning processes throughout the community. John has spent much of his career engaging with residents, neighborhood groups, elected officials, and business leaders to cast a visionary future for Allen County’s communities.
John graduated from Ball State University with degrees in urban planning and environmental design and is an AICP-certified urban planner. He received an Outstanding Alumni award in 2020 from Ball State’s College of Architecture and Planning.
He is a proud dad to three great kids and a lifelong Hoosier.
Doors open at 3:15 p.m. for light refreshments and drinks. The discussion will start at 3:45 p.m. Join us for an intimate conversation with John. Seats are limited – reserve your spot today through Eventbrite!
