Rio Grande names Taylor Stepp new director of economic development
Rio Grande – University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College is proud to announce Taylor Stepp as its new Director of Economic Development and Center for Entrepreneurship. Stepp brings with him over a decade of strategic experience in site selection, economic development, business consulting, and public policy.
He will be responsible for leading the university’s collaboration with the Gallia County Commissioners, Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), community leaders, and other agencies to promote and grow Gallia County and the surrounding region’s business and economic development interests.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Taylor back to southeast Ohio in this pivotal role,” said Rio President, Ryan Smith. “His experience across public and private sectors, combined with his deep understanding of our region’s potential, makes him the ideal choice to drive sustainable growth and job creation.”
A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Stepp joins Rio after serving as a Manager in Global Location Investment, Credits & Incentives at Ernst & Young LLP, where he oversaw a project portfolio representing over $30 billion in capital investment and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs across the United States. Taylor advised his clients on site selection, credits & incentives, and investment matters. His clients ranged from Fortune 500 companies to large privately held firms who were pursuing major economic development projects. Many of his client’s projects are currently under construction or are now operational.
Prior to Ernst & Young, Stepp served as Director of Projects at Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), the regional economic development partner for JobsOhio, where he led economic development project management for 25-counties in Appalachia. In this role, he helped bring new companies to the region and helped existing companies add employment and invest capital.
Stepp's experience also includes time in the Ohio Statehouse where he helped lead Ohio’s budget process and helped craft public policy. Additionally, he worked at JobsOhio where he helped coordinate economic development for the state. A two-time elected Student Body President at The Ohio State University, he later earned his MBA from the University of Southern Indiana.
In addition to his professional career, Stepp is a passionate entrepreneur and community leader, serving on the leadership board at Christ Church in Jackson. He resides in Jackson with his wife, Natalie, and daughter, Tessa.
About University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Rio stands as a beacon of accessible and affordable education. Our main campus is a haven for learning, innovation, and technology, offering students the security and charm of a small-town environment. With more than 60 diverse programs to choose from, Rio empowers students to pursue associate, bachelor, and master degrees, along with certificate programs. Our commitment extends to four regional centers—Jackson, McArthur, Meigs, and Pike—dedicated to enriching their communities by providing quality education and fostering a robust workforce. At the core of our institution are passionate faculty members who serve as both educators and mentors, devoted to the academic and personal growth of each student. Rio's academically challenging programs are complemented by a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, creating a holistic educational experience.