By Eric Stock/Patrick Baron
BLOOMINGTON – One day after a local delegation returned from Washington D.C. where the group lobbied for federal dollars, one of that group’s leaders is leaving the group.
Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, has announced he’s resigning next month. He plans to become a vice president of client services for Core Construction of Morton.
EDC spokesman Zach Deitmeier said he and the rest of his colleagues wish Kyle the best of luck in his future endeavors.
“Overall it’s a great opportunity for Kyle and for his family. As an EDC representative here, I have no problem with saying we’re all excited to see him advance in his career, and we wish them all the best,” Deitmeier said.
Ham has been with the EDC since late 2014 – he will remain in that position until April 30. Deitmeier said the decision was not sudden, as Ham had informed the EDC about the job opportunity prior to the Bloomington Normal One Voice Task Force trip to DC.
Deitmeier said Ham’s time at the EDC will have long-lasting effects on Bloomington-Normal.
“The additions of Rivian Automotive and Brandt Industries – those were two projects he was instrumental in bringing to Bloomington-Normal and McLean County,” Deitmeier explained. “Without Kyle’s expertise and his constant hard work in those hemispheres, we wouldn’t have those new opportunities for our town.”
Vice President Mike O’Grady will serve as interim CEO during the search for a successor.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
