Gigerich firm makes spate of hires after staff exodus:

Carmel-based consulting firm Ginovus LLC-which lost five professionals on May 11 to a new economic development practice started by the Indianapolis law firm Bingham McHale-has bounced back by hiring three people.

Richard Rowley, legislative director under former Gov. Joe Kernan, joined as special counsel. Rowley will continue practicing law at Sommer Barnard, the Indianapolis law firm that hosts Ginovus.

Jill Beckman was hired as director of operations. Beckman’s background is in accounting, most recently at Butler Uni
versity.

Denise Settlemyre joined Ginovus as manager of project administration after a career at several law firms.

Ginovus founder and Managing Director Larry Gigerich had little inkling that
his entire professional staff would leave the firm May 11. He received nearly all their resignations by fax.

The lack of a two-week notice was “the most disappointing thing,” Gigerich said.

“I certainly wish them well in their new endeavor,” he said.

Bingham McHale said its new economic development consulting practice will be called Bingham Economic Development Advisors LLC.

Jumping to Bingham from Ginovus were Jay Walters, Jenny Massey, Suzanne Davis, Linda Williamson and Sara McGoun. Another Ginovus associate, Sue Scott, left recently to take a position in Chicago.

Williamson was spearheading a project that involved writing an economic development plan for each Indiana county based on the state development plan
released in May 2005. The localized plan is about half complete, and will be finished by Gigerich and Ginovus staff, he said.

The new Bingham practice will focus on site selection, analysis, incentive procurement, and community development and planning.

Walters will be president of the new Bingham practice, with Davis and Williams serving as vice presidents.

It will be based at 8900 Keystone Crossing.

Gigerich directed economic development under former Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith.