Remembering Margaret Peake Grissom Gittner
Longtime IAMC member and friend Margaret Peake Grissom Gittner, Villa Hills, Ky. 72 entered into the loving arms of Jesus December 27, 2021 after a long battle with Interstitial Lung Disease (unrelated to Covid). Margaret was born February 9, 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky to Martha Schott and Thaddeus Andrew Peake. Margaret graduated from University of Louisville, 1978 and from the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute in 1989 and became a Certified Economic Developer.
Margaret broke glass ceilings throughout her long work career. She was a Co-Owner of Moutardier Marina at Nolin Lake for many years with other family members. In 1984 She was hired by the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet as an Industrial Project coordinator and then made Vice President of Greater Louisville Economic Development Partnership in 1990 responsible for recruiting new companies to Louisville. Margaret brought thousands of jobs and millions in investment during her 8 year reign.
Margaret then became the CEO and President of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority in 1998. With her deep friendship with Jiro Hachimoto, Kentucky Cabinet Representitive and her understanding of Japanese Culture she brought over 4500 jobs and $425 million in investment to the city. In an era of male dominance in her field, she was a force to be reckoned with and was recognized by the Kentucky Association for Economic Development and received the James Norris Gray Award and the Founders Award for outstanding service. She was a Thesis Advisor, Instructor and Assistant Dean at University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute. She was an Associate Advisor, Ambassador and Leadership Development Fellow. Margaret was named one of the top 50 Site Consultants in IAMC.
In spite of the above accomplishments, Margaret would prefer to be known as a single mom to her sons Anderson Grissom and Marshall Grissom (Brandy) as well as a mentor to her other work associates. She mentored many, especially women, in a male dominated world of site development. She would also prefer to be just known as Mar to her granddaughter Evie Maye and her Grandson Sawyer as well as Avery and Alexis Gittner. Margaret also had a special relationship with her stepsons Arick Gittner and Tyler Gittner and his wife Camelle.
Margaret leaves behind her husband Alan J. Gittner, Villa Hills, Ky. Who loved her deeply for 20 years, Her Puppy Daisy, her sisters Martha Jane Smith , Hannah O'Bryant (Mark), Sarah Peake, Mary Allen Peake and Brother Drew Peak (Lorrie) Nephew Andy Peake (Tina) Her nephews Randall Ewing, Jody and Jason Hermes, Thad Peake, Nieces Jenna Harmon, Sarah Peake and Mary Eliz. Schumann.
https://www.courier-journal.com/obituaries/lcj241900