Roy-Dixon to Help Drive the Regional Commission’s Economic Development Programming and Infrastructure Development Efforts
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has named Padmini Roy-Dixon as Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer. In this role, she will provide leadership for the regional planning organization to direct and develop economic development and strategic infrastructure programming and lead Central Ohio’s innovation ecosystem.
Roy-Dixon will oversee a broad spectrum of economic development initiatives, including the compliance and implementation of the United States Economic Development Agency (USEDA)-designated Columbus Region Economic Development District (CREDD). She will lead the Columbus Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) while overseeing grants and other activities. Additionally, she will spearhead economic development partnerships and manage the bi-annual update of the Competitive Advantage Projects (CAP) program, and provide ongoing technical assistance, including project strategy development and strategic funding assistance. She will facilitate strategic funding for major transportation and infrastructure projects and develop other tools and initiatives to support MORPC local government members with economic development planning and funding.
"We are pleased to have Padmini join our team. Her remarkable experience and demonstrated leadership in economic development, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement will be invaluable as we continue to support and assist communities across Central Ohio on growth, innovation, and economic prosperity."
In her most recent role at The Ohio State University (OSU), Roy-Dixon served as the Executive Director for Global Gateways and Partnerships, where she provided management to enhance OSU’s global footprint. Her responsibilities included overseeing and developing the Global Gateways program in key international locations such as Shanghai, Mumbai, and São Paulo. Additionally, she forged alliances between academic units and international organizations to expand the university’s research collaborations and global programming.
Before joining OSU, Roy-Dixon served as chief of the Business Services Division and the Office of Opportunities for New Americans at the Ohio Department of Development. In this role, she managed more than 30 programs, administered $75 million in grants and loans, and improved operational efficiency and compliance within the organization.
"I am thrilled to join the MORPC team as its new Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer. In my new role, I look forward to collaborating with our community partners on new initiatives, strategic priorities, and funding solutions to advance the region’s prosperity."
Roy-Dixon’s experience also includes financial industry giants Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Private Bank. She holds a master’s degree from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in finance from Boston College, and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Delhi.
