Meet Andrew Murray
Director of Economic Development
Office: 317-776-6345 x2101
Email: amurray@noblesville.in.gov
- Years with the City of Noblesville:
- It will be 5 years in September.
- What was your first job and what lesson did you learn there that you brought with you to your current role?
- My first job was as an entry-level city planner. A lesson that I learned was the importance of being a collaborator and not a hindrance to being successful in growing the local economy and community.
- What led you to your current role? (tell us about your education and/or background)
- With over 14 years of public and private sector experience providing service on a wide array of economic development, redevelopment, and public finance-related items, it is an honor to be the Economic Development Director for the City of Noblesville. Prior to joining the City of Noblesville, I worked for Krieg DeVault, LLP, and was a core member of their municipal, public finance, and real estate practice groups. I also worked for seven years for the City of Westfield, Indiana in planning and economic development.
My education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Denison University, and I am a graduate of both the Hamilton County Leadership Academy and Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute.
- With over 14 years of public and private sector experience providing service on a wide array of economic development, redevelopment, and public finance-related items, it is an honor to be the Economic Development Director for the City of Noblesville. Prior to joining the City of Noblesville, I worked for Krieg DeVault, LLP, and was a core member of their municipal, public finance, and real estate practice groups. I also worked for seven years for the City of Westfield, Indiana in planning and economic development.
- What is your role in the department and what would a person come to you about?
- I am the Economic Development Director and my general role is to oversee a team of professionals (the best in the State of Indiana in my opinion) who collectively work and plan for ways to further strengthen Noblesville as an attractive location for business and people to invest. I view my department as the front door to our organization and community. If you have inquiries relating to business development, community development, real estate development, or workforce development, my team is the logical starting point!
- What do you like most about working in economic development?
- I like the impact we make on the lives of individuals/communities and the competitive grind that goes along with it.
Every decision or recommendation we give in this industry helps create an environment that allows for an improved quality of place/life, a diversified economy, an increase in tax revenues, and the ability to grow individual and community wealth.
In economic development, times aren’t always ground-breakings and ribbon cuttings. I have worked through two recessions. In each of those times, economic development professionals have led the charge because people and communities are counting on us. I have seen this profession demonstrate, during good times and bad times, persistence, resiliency, and hard work.
- I like the impact we make on the lives of individuals/communities and the competitive grind that goes along with it.
- Tell us about your community involvement.
- Noblesville is the home of many successful and impactful nonprofit organizations. I do my best to ensure as many partnerships with those organizations as possible, both personally and professionally.
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
- When I am not working, I enjoy all things outdoors including golf, hiking, and fishing. Most importantly, I enjoy experiencing life with my wife Julia and our three kids – Maverick, Stella, and Walker.
- What concert do you have to see at Ruoff Music Center?
- I am into all genres of music but am looking forward to all the country concerts scheduled this year! Snoop Dogg, Too Short, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes will be epic though!
- What sport do you watch and who do you cheer for?
- I like all sports but really enjoy college football. I will also follow my alma mater, Denison University, with hopes of competing for a Division III championship every year. I find myself watching all Division I college football on Saturday with a close eye on the Indiana teams.
- What’s your favorite quote?
- “I guess it comes down to a simple choice. Get busy livin’ or get busy dying.” Red from Shawshank Redemption
- What’s your go-to road trip snack?
- Chex Mix
- What do you order at a coffee shop?
- Usually, something that is expresso driven such as an Americano or Latte, but I am cool with just a black drip coffee as well.
- What’s your dream vacation?
- I am a fan of outdoor adventures and dramatic scenery. There are a handful of National Parks in the USA that I would like to experience such as Yosemite, Acadia, Glacier, or Yellowstone. Outside of the USA, the Maldives, Italy or Iceland are on my list.
