Knox County Area Development Foundation Announces Hiring of Maxwell Leaning as Economic Development Coordinator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Knox County Area Development Foundation Announces Hiring of Maxwell Leaning as Economic
Development Coordinator
The Knox County Area Development Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Maxwell Leaning
as the organization’s new Economic Development Coordinator, effective June 1, 2026.
A lifelong resident of Knox County, Leaning brings a strong background in local business engagement,
community involvement, and leadership to the role. He and his wife, Rachel, have deep roots in the
community and a passion for supporting the continued growth and success of Knox County.
Leaning is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and has spent the past nine years working
at Paragraphs Bookstore, where he has served as manager for the past four years. Through his work
and community involvement, he has developed strong relationships with local businesses and gained
valuable experience in community development initiatives.
“I have loved working and getting more involved in the community through my time at Paragraphs
Bookstore and my board service with Experience Mount Vernon and the Knox County Chamber of
Commerce. I am so excited to continue working in the community with the team at The Knox County
Area Development Foundation,” said Leaning.
In addition to his professional experience, Leaning has been actively involved in numerous community
organizations and events. He has worked alongside the Mount Vernon Downtown Merchants group and
served as coordinator for the 2025 Middle-earth Walk Through Mount Vernon Day event. He also
currently serves on the boards of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Mount
Vernon.
“Maxwell has already shown a real ability to connect people, support local businesses, and bring
energy to community projects. What stood out to us was not just his professional experience, but how
invested he is in Knox County and the people here. He cares deeply about this community, and that
matters in this work. We are excited to have him join the ADF team, and I’m confident he is going to
make a meaningful impact across the county,” said Sam Filkins, President of the Knox County Area
Development Foundation.
The Knox County Area Development Foundation looks forward to the energy and community-centered
leadership Leaning will bring to the organization as it continues its mission of supporting economic
growth, workforce development, and community success throughout Knox County.