Illinois EDC taps top leaders from EY, Huntington Bank, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, and JPMorganChase to join its distinguished board of directors.
CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (formerly Intersect Illinois) today announced four new appointments to its board of directors: EY Chicago Managing Partner Kevin Cole, Huntington Bank Regional President Patrice DeCorrevont, Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) President and CEO Rob Karr, and J.P. Morgan Managing Director Maggie McGuire O’Brien. Now comprised of 60 members, Illinois EDC’s board reflects the organization’s prioritization of collaboration with leaders from the diverse industries that make up the statewide business community.
“I am honored to welcome these dynamic leaders, who bring deep experience in finance, retail, and accounting. Their expertise will be a major asset to the board,” said Illinois EDC Chairman John Atkinson. “We are fortunate to utilize their leadership and experience in our quest to bring more economic growth and prosperity to every corner of the state.”
Kevin Cole, EY
Kevin Cole currently serves as managing partner of the EY Chicago office. In this role, Cole supports a team of approximately 4,200 high-performing professionals across EY’s assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory service lines. By creating an inclusive and teaming culture and developing great learning experiences for EY’s people, Cole works to drive market leadership and demonstrate the transformative power of EY. Cole has been part of the EY Chicago office since 2003 and has over 31 years of experience working with Fortune 1000 companies and their leadership teams across several industries and functional areas.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Illinois EDC and such an inspiring board to continue to drive economic growth for the region. We look forward to collaborating with visionary leaders across sectors to make real impact, and I’m excited to engage the EY Chicago office to bring perspective and energy to help advance Illinois EDC’s goals,” said Cole.
Patrice DeCorrevont, Huntington Bank
Patrice DeCorrevont is the Illinois and Wisconsin regional president for Huntington Bank, a $208 billion asset regional holding company. The bank provides consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Prior to her role at Huntington Bank, DeCorrevont held leadership positions at Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. DeCorrevont is very active in her community and has served on many boards, currently including Junior Achievement of Chicago.
“It is a privilege to join the board of directors of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation and contribute to its vital mission of advancing economic growth and opportunity throughout our state. As a financial institution deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve, I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow board members to attract investment and foster lasting impact across our state,” said DeCorrevont.
Rob Karr, IRMA
Rob Karr is president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), the leading voice of Illinois’ retail community. Retail is a pillar of the state’s economy, employing one out of every four Illinoisans. Karr has served on numerous boards with entities such as the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Additionally, several prominent organizations, such as the Food Industry Association and United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT), have recognized him for his contributions to public affairs and law.
“Retail is a primary pillar of Illinois’ economy, generating more than $112 billion in economic investment each year and serving as the state’s largest private sector employer,” said Karr. “On behalf of retailers across the state, I am honored to join the board of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, which brings together experts from a variety of industries to position Illinois as a primary destination for businesses of all types and sizes. By working together, we can overcome challenges and create opportunities for all of our communities.”
Maggie McGuire O’Brien, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Maggie McGuire O’Brien is a managing director and co-head of Chicago for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where she leads and manages a team of more than 200 bankers, investors, credit executives, trust and estate attorneys, and client service professionals. Her team oversees more than $160 billion of client assets. The organization has been serving Chicago for over 160 years. O’Brien has deep roots in Chicagoland, which enables her to play an active and visible role as a member of the Illinois Market Leadership Team in expanding J.P. Morgan’s presence in the community.
“I’m honored to join the Illinois Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors,” said O’Brien. “JPMorganChase has supported Chicagoland and Illinois for more than 160 years, helping neighborhoods, supporting small businesses, and funding vital infrastructure. I look forward to working with state and local leaders to bring new investment, create high-quality jobs, and promote Illinois as a top choice for businesses.”
“Partnerships are foundational to Illinois EDC’s mission, and our engaged board of directors embodies that commitment,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “By bringing together leaders from across industries and regions, we sharpen our strategy and strengthen Illinois’ position as a top destination for business growth. I’m excited to welcome Patrice, Rob, Maggie, and Kevin – their insight will help us stay aligned with the needs of growing companies and keep Illinois competitive on the national stage.”
Illinois EDC’s board of directors helps guide the organization in its mission to attract more investment, jobs, and economic opportunities to the state. Representing a diversity of industries, geographies, and backgrounds, board members serve as ambassadors for Illinois, helping to showcase the state’s unique assets to their peers throughout the world.
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