The new permanent CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council [BNEDC] is Tyler Cravens. Cravens has been the interim president and CEO since March when previous CEO Patrick Hoban left for another position.
Cravens previously was chief operating officer of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce for four years and a staffer for then-U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis before that.
“The board was impressed by Tyler’s performance as interim CEO. He quickly established credibility, provided steady direction, demonstrated strategic thinking and executed on key economic development priorities. He understands our mission, community, and the opportunities ahead,” said Kristen Barnlund, board chair.
Cravens serves on the Connect Transit Board of Trustees, the Illinois State University BN Innovation Hub Advisory Board and the McLean County Unit 5 Citizens Advisory Council.
“I want to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence and partnership. There is no shortage of work to be done as we aim to create economic opportunity for all of our current and future neighbors. It’s a privilege to serve a growing local economy whose future is brighter than yesterday and I’m excited to get started,” said Cravens.
Cravens earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University.
