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QUINCY, ILL. -- The Great River Economic Development Foundation announced Monday the hiring of its new president.

Marcel W. Wagner, Jr. was chosen after a 6-month-long nationwide search.

Wagner was unanimously approved by GREDF Board of Directors members at a March 5 meeting.

Jim Mentesti announced his retirement in August after 27 years with the economic development group. Interim President Phil Conover will continue in his current role through the end of March.

Marcel Wagner has spent the past 21 years with the Allen Economic Development Group in Lima, Ohio, the last 19 of those years as its President and CEO before retiring from that position in January.

Wagner is a Certified Economic Developer and former Chair of the International Economic Development Council Certification and Education Committee.

He was an Executive Committee Member of Team Ohio through the Ohio Economic Development Council as well as former chair of the Allen County Workforce Investment Act Board and Allen County Revolving Loan Fund.