Illinois EDC adds leaders from Ameren Illinois, Joliet Junior College, and IMEC to its distinguished board of directors.
The Illinois Economic Development Corporation today announced new appointments to its board of directors: Dan Hofmann, interim president of Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC); Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo, president of Joliet Junior College, and Patrick E. Smith, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois.
“Beyond their years of industry leadership, Dr. Namuo, Patrick, and Dan are all deeply rooted in their communities and genuinely invested in Illinois’ success,” said Illinois EDC Chairman John Atkinson. “I’m personally glad to welcome them, and know that Illinois EDC’s board of directors will benefit from their presence.”
“Illinois EDC’s ability to attract new jobs and investment across the state is greatly enhanced by our diverse, dynamic board of directors,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “Dr. Namuo, Patrick, and Dan bring deep expertise in sectors that are critical to building a stronger, more competitive Illinois economy—higher education, energy, and advanced manufacturing.”
Dan Hofmann, IMEC
Dan Hofmann is the interim president and VP of finance and IT at IMEC. In his role as VP of Finance and IT at IMEC, he works at the intersection of data analytics, finance, and operational compliance while focusing on programs and initiatives that support IMEC’s mission to ignite Illinois manufacturing excellence and global competitiveness. Prior to starting his professional career, he grew up in his family’s factory in central Illinois. That experience gave him an understanding of the challenges manufacturers face, the sense of pride a person feels when making a product that satisfies a customer’s need, and the understanding that relationships drive results.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Illinois Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors,” said Dan Hofmann, interim president of IMEC. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how strong partnerships between industry, economic development organizations, and communities create lasting impact. I look forward to helping advance Illinois’ competitiveness, strengthen our ecosystem, and support sustainable economic growth throughout the state.”
Clyne G. H. Namuo, Joliet Junior College
Dr. Clyne Namuo serves as the 10th president of Joliet Junior College (JJC), a role he assumed in July 2022. Namuo has strengthened JJC’s strategic vision and regional impact, advancing progress in workforce development, access and community partnerships while serving more than 15,000 students and employing over 2,000 faculty and staff. Under his leadership JJC has advanced key initiatives including the 12x12x12 dual credit program to expand college access and increase enrollment, as well as efforts to extend JJC’s presence in Grundy County. Namuo serves on numerous local and regional boards and works closely with industry and community partners to align education with workforce needs in ways that reflect JJC’s mission to inspire learning and transform lives.
“I am honored to join the Board of Directors of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, representing Joliet Junior College,” said Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo, president of Joliet Junior College. “I view this appointment as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between education and economic development. Community colleges are essential to building the workforce that powers business growth, innovation, and opportunity. This role gives JJC a seat at one of Illinois’ most influential leadership tables, where we can help shape workforce priorities, strengthen partnerships with industry, and advocate for the students and communities we serve.”
Patrick E. Smith, Sr., Ameren Illinois
Patrick E. Smith, Sr. is chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, where he is responsible for energy delivery to more than 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers encompassing 1,200 communities across 43,700 square miles. A native of East St. Louis, Smith has been with Ameren for more than 40 years, when he first joined as a meter reader. He has held various leadership positions in several areas including vice president of economic, community and business development and vice president of division operations for Ameren Missouri. He is active in the Greater St. Louis community and passionate about youth sports. He sits on the board of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, and serves on various other committees, including the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer efforts.
“I’m honored to join the Illinois EDC Board and support its mission of advancing economic growth across Illinois. Strong partnerships and strategic investment are essential to creating opportunity in the Chicago region, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois,” said Patrick E. Smith, Sr., chairman and president of Ameren Illinois. “At Ameren Illinois, we see firsthand how reliable energy infrastructure helps communities attract businesses, create jobs, and thrive. I look forward to working with fellow board members to strengthen Illinois’ competitiveness and help communities across the state reach their full potential.”
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, advocating for the state’s unique assets to their peers throughout the world.
