BLOOMINGTON, Ill (WMBD) — Ryan Whitehouse is being remembered as a visionary leader of Bloomington-Normal who spent his life advocating for others.
According to a message on the Illinois Farm Bureau website, the 43-year-old national legislative director of the organization died Sept. 24 after an accident in Michigan.
In the Farm Bureaus’ online publication, it said his death has sent shockwaves throughout the state.
“This is a tremendous loss, personally, of an amazing man. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and coworkers,” said IFB President Brian Duncan. “Ryan excelled in everything he did at Illinois Farm Bureau and throughout his work in the Bloomington-Normal community. He leaves a lasting impact and a true legacy of service.”
Whitehouse had been with the IFB for more than 12 years and served in a variety of roles on the Governmental Affairs and Commodities team, working “closely with farmer members across the state and advocated on their behalf at the local and federal levels,” the publication said.
Whitehouse was also of significant service to his community. He served as chairman of the Connect Transit Board of Trustees, the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (EDC) and on the St. Jude Run/Walk Committee.
Connect Transit and EDC joint statement
Patrick Hoban, with the Economic Development Council, and David Braun with Connect Transit write, “It is with great sorrow that the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council and Connect Transit mourn the untimely passing of our friend and Board Chair, Ryan Whitehouse. Ryan was a visionary leader whose dedication to our community and public transit left an indelible mark on Bloomington and Normal.
Ryan’s tireless advocacy for public transit secured over $75 million in Federal and State grants since 2017, including funding for the Downtown Bloomington Transit Center which will transform the infrastructure, accessibility and enhance service for our customers while elevating the perception of public transit in our community.
His roles on both the Economic Development Council and Connect Transit Boards reflected his deep belief in economic development that uplifts the quality of life for all community members. As a member of the EDC board of directors for the last 5 years, Ryan was instrumental in the success of our community’s annual One Voice delegation to Washington, DC. His relentless advocacy for rural and agricultural inclusion in economic development initiatives lead to the creation of the EDC’s rural fellow initiative.
Over the past two years, Ryan served as the EDC’s chairman where he lead public and private incentive discussions promoting McLean County’s rapid growth in jobs, investment and championing housing development.”
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