© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

EDC Hones In On CEO Search After Study

Mike O'Grady speaking at podium
Facebook/BN EDC
Mike O'Grady has been serving as interm CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council since Kyle Ham resigned last spring.

One of McLean County's main economic development firms will be looking to help diversify the workforce as it looks for a new leader.

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council hired The Development Consortium of Petersburg, an economic development consulting firm, to study its needs and the community’s needs since Kyle Ham left as the EDC’s CEO a year ago.

The EDC’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications Zach Dietmeier said the community will have to rely on more than just agriculture, insurance, and education in an ever-changing marketplace.

“It doesn’t mean that those industries are any less strong, but to create diversification we are going to have to take a few more – not necessarily bad risks – but we are going to have to put ourselves out there in the community,” Dietmeier said.

“It’s no knock on us, it’s just not necessarily been that main major focus as it is now. We are still a vibrant community. We still have the quality of life that is still the envy of Illinois.”

Spring Fund Drive
Infogram
Former Normal City Manager Mark Peterson is workingfor GovHR USA, the Northbrook-based consulting firm that's leading the CEO search.

GovHR USA is accepting applications for the CEO position through April 19. The job posting said the ideal candidate would bring “a healthy mix of public and private sector experience” and must be a “transformational leader” with a “proven record of success.”

The posting recommends a starting salary between $180,000 to $200,000 plus benefits.

Dietmeier said the goal is to have someone selected by June 1 so they can begin the first of July.

EDC Vice President Mike O’Grady has been serving as its interim CEO.

People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
Related Content