News Release

LAGRANGE — Darci Stanner Gaff has been hired as the director for LaGrange County Together, a countywide collaboration to develop a bold, comprehensive plan for the growth and prosperity of the communities of LaGrange County.

The LaGrange County Commissioners approved Gaff’s contract position in December 2023 to aid with the implementation of the county’s comprehensive plan. Gaff will work with LaGrange County organizations to lead implementation efforts.

Gaff has extensive experience in community outreach, resource development and public relations. She previously worked as Executive Director for United Way in both LaGrange and Steuben County as well as the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce and served on numerous local and regional executive boards, fundraisers, and committees.

“Darci will be a vital link between the comprehensive plan and LaGrange County stakeholders. She brings enthusiasm, but most importantly, planning experience and a desire to see action for LaGrange County. We are thrilled to bring on a director to help coordinate and share the good work happening in our communities,” said Octavia Yoder, executive director of the LaGrange

County Community Foundation, and member of the LaGrange County Together Steering Committee. Ready to take on her new role, Gaff relocated to LaGrange from southern Michigan late last year where she had been working as a real estate agent and small business owner.

“I am excited to be back home in Indiana. I was born and raised in LaGrange County, and I love this community. I look forward to helping implement this comprehensive plan to create a better LaGrange for our residents to live, work and raise their families,” Gaff said.

The LaGrange County Plan Commission and County Commissioners adopted the updated comprehensive plan – LaGrange County Together – in September of 2022. The plan represents the insight of hundreds of residents who shared their thoughts, ideas and hopes for the communities of LaGrange County.

The adopted plan includes seventy-five recommendations organized around five topics of community interest: land use and development, local economy, natural environment, roadways and infrastructure, and quality of life. As the process shifts towards implementation, Gaff’s role will be important to help keep the plan on track and to engage with partners and stakeholders needed to help support LaGrange County Together.

Some actions, like the zoning ordinance update, development of a tourism strategy, and launch of a small business development program are already underway while others will require long-term efforts by the LaGrange community.

Residents interested in serving on a committee related to land use and development, local economy, natural environment, roadways and infrastructure or quality of life, or have any questions, should contact Darci Stanner Gaff at [email protected]

To learn more and review the adopted plan, click here.