Multiple leaders working on Intel’s Ohio One project have left their roles with the company in recent weeks as construction was slowed and delays have mounted.
At least five officials have left their jobs, including the company’s top lobbyist in Ohio and high-ranking construction officials, posts on LinkedIn show. The prominent departures from the struggling chipmaker were first reported by Columbus Business First on Sept. 10.
More on Intel’s Ohio factories: ‘On life support’: 3 years after groundbreaking, Intel’s Ohio factories still unfinished
Kevin Hoggatt announced he was leaving his lobbying gig for a new role at AndHealth one week ago on LinkedIn, saying he was proud of the work he had done with Intel. Despite the chipmaker’s troubles, Hoggatt expressed optimism for the company’s future.
“I’m proud of the work we have done working with Republicans and Democrats at the local, state, and federal level as we build the Silicon Heartland,” Hoggatt wrote on LinkedIn. “I am excited to watch the project and ecosystem in Ohio grow in the years ahead.”
Emily Smith, who led Intel’s on-the-ground community affairs in Ohio, announced she was leaving her job six days ago on LinkedIn. Smith said working at Intel has been “a great privilege” and thanked everyone she’s worked with during her time at the company and said her highlights included the groundbreaking ceremony, a visit from a U.S. president to the site, massive cranes arriving and more.
“As I close my Intel laptop for the last time, I’m filled with pride and deep gratitude,” Smith wrote on LinkedIn. “From traveling town by town building relationships and momentum—this journey has been extraordinary.”
The Heimerl Farms buildings remain as Intel continues to build their chip-manufacturing facility in New Albany, Ohio on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Among the other departures locally were public affairs manager Toby Starr, Ohio One construction site manager Sanjay Patel, and senior program manager for foundry construction Tom Marshall.
The exits come as Intel has repeatedly delayed the opening of its Ohio One semiconductor factories.
The first factory was supposed to start making microchips in 2025 but now isn’t expected to open until at least 2030 or 2031. In July, the company announced it would “further slow” construction at the New Albany fabs.
This week marked the third anniversary of Intel’s groundbreaking, which was attended by Gov. Mike DeWine, sitting U.S. senators and members of Congress and then-President Joe Biden on Sept. 9, 2022. Although it has since slowed, construction work continued behind Biden and other leaders as they spoke and celebrated Intel’s arrival in central Ohio.
“As I look back at the past 3+ years, I’m struck by what a ride it’s been,” Patel wrote on LinkedIn. “From the moment we got the call that the land had officially transferred and Intel could roll onto the site, it’s been full steam ahead.”
Dispatch investigative reporter Max Filby can be reached by email at mfilby@dispatch.com. Find him on X at the handle @MaxFilby or on Facebook at @ReporterMaxFilby.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Intel leaders leave Ohio One project as factory openings delayed
