Joseph Seaman Lafayette, Indiana
Joseph Seaman, known as Joe, takes a big-picture view, works cooperatively with diverse groups, builds consensus and leads change. He is well-versed in fiscal matters, respected for empowering others, supporting education, giving time to community organizations, and valuing his family. He volunteers for Read to Succeed and Mental Health America of Tippecanoe County. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and golfing.
Banking, 1970 to 2007
Seaman began his career in 1970 at Lake County National Bank in Painseville, Ohio, continuing after acquisitions with Bank One and then Chase. In his 37 years, responsibilities included corporate finance, merger-and-acquisition analysis, fiscal and employee management, business development, strategic planning and other areas. Posts included chief financial officer, Bank One of Columbus, Ohio; beginning in 1988, president and chief executive officer of Bank One Lafayette; and later, regional president. Under his leadership, Bank One Lafayette was the only bank in the system to receive both the Blue One Award for performance and Best of the Best in Quality.
Economic Development, 2007 to 2014
In 2007, Seaman joined what is now known as Greater Lafayette Commerce as the economic development organization’s first president and chief executive officer. He led the nonprofit’s consolidation of six groups into one, new name and branding, and furthered its mission to advance economic and community prosperity for a superior quality of life. He facilitated numerous community efforts, bringing together county and two city governments, Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College. During his tenure, the community attracted $4.4 billion in capital investments, $2.3 billion of it in the last three years ($10 billion economic impact). Among industries locating in the community during his years were Alcoa Lithium Plant, Heartland Automotive, GE Aviation and Nanshan America, as well as numerous expansions of existing industries. During this time the community also achieved notable national rankings and recognitions by Forbes, Fortune and others.
Education
Seaman attended Ohio State University, earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Lake Erie College and is a certified public accountant.
Board, Leadership Posts
Current
Art Museum of Greater Lafayette Foundation
St. Mary’s Cathedral Finance Committee
Columbus Life Insurance
Community Commitment to Education (Read to
Succeed and Born Learning programs)
Lafayette Life Insurance
Mental Health America of Tippecanoe County
Strategic Planning Group
Wabash Center
Wabash Valley Alliance
Past
Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette
Downtown Business Center
Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
Greater Lafayette Progress
Hoosier Heartland Small Business Dev. Center
Intersection Connection
Lafayette Urban Enterprise Association
Leadership Lafayette
MatchBOX Coworking Studio
Purdue Center for Economic Education
United Way of Greater Lafayette
Recognitions
Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Krannert School of Management Distinguished Executive and Supplier Diversity Development Coalition of Greater Lafayette Hands Award are among his recognitions.
Personal
Seaman has called Lafayette, Indiana, home since 1988. He and his wife, Bernie, also an involved volunteer, raised four children in the community.