Illinois EDC welcomes new board members
The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) today announced new appointments to its board of directors: Mung Chiang(opens in new tab), President of Northwestern University, Chris Cuddy(opens in new tab), ADM senior vice president and president of the company’s global Carbohydrate Solutions business unit and North America region, and Steven Keller(opens in new tab) Senior Vice President of Comcast‘s Greater Chicago Region.
“Illinois ranks #2 in the nation for corporate relocations and expansions, and Mung, Chris, and Steven bring valuable experience in industry and ingenuity that will keep Illinois at the forefront,” said Illinois EDC Chairman John Atkinson(opens in new tab). “Their perspectives will strengthen our board as we continue working to attract investment and create opportunities across the state, and I look forward to working with them.”
“Illinois EDC’s board members provide strategic insight, direction, and energy, as we work to grow the state’s economy and make Illinois a leading global destination for business,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George(opens in new tab). “Mung, Chris, and Steven bring valuable perspectives from higher education and innovation, manufacturing and agriculture, and connectivity—all important to Illinois’ continued growth. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the board.”
Mung Chiang, Northwestern University
Dr. Mung Chiang has built a career as an innovator, esteemed educator, and respected author. He currently serves as the 18th President of Northwestern University, drawing on decades of experience working in higher education and industry. Chiang has been at the forefront of innovation throughout his career in which he founded the Princeton EDGE Lab, co-founded multiple startups, and industry associations. Additionally, Chiang holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, the rights to 26 U.S. patents, and authored multiple books. Chiang is also committed to driving the future innovators and sharing knowledge as demonstrated by his extensive open online course catalog.
“Illinois is in an incredible position of economic growth and opportunity,” said Chiang. “Northwestern is committed to significantly enhance our contributions to economic development through our strengths in the biosciences and medicine, the cutting-edge frontier of quantum and AI, and the world-renowned leadership in business and economics. We are excited to continue collaborating with our public, private and civic partners to advance the state’s economic goals.”
Chris Cuddy, ADM
Christopher M. Cuddy is senior vice president and global president of ADM’s Carbohydrate Solutions business unit, leading the company’s global sweeteners, starches, ethanol, wheat milling, and biosolutions businesses. Cuddy also serves as ADM’s regional president of North America, with oversight of ADM’s business activities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. He is a member of the company’s Executive Council and serves on the boards of the Corn Refiners Association, Red Star Yeast Company LLC, and Almidones Mexicanos, SA de CV (Almex), an ADM joint venture based in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“ADM has called Illinois home for generations, and advantages like proximity to American agriculture, strong transportation infrastructure and access to talent have been important reasons that we’ve grown and invested here over the decades,” said Cuddy. “Companies are constantly making long-term decisions about where to invest and create jobs, and the Illinois EDC plays an important role in making sure our state continues to compete for those opportunities. I’m honored to join the board and look forward to helping build on Illinois’ strengths and support continued economic growth across the state.”
Steven Keller, Comcast
Steven Keller is the Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region, where he leads operations across Central and Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana, and Southwest Michigan. As part of Comcast’s Connectivity & Platforms business, he is responsible for delivering reliable connectivity, innovative products and services, and exceptional customer experiences for Xfinity residential and Comcast Business customers across the region. Steven, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, joined Comcast earlier this year and has nearly two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry. Most recently, he served as Pacific Market President at Verizon, where he led all business functions across a seven-state region.
“Reliable, high-speed Internet plays a critical role in helping communities grow and compete,” said Keller. “As Comcast continues to invest in our network infrastructure across Illinois, I’m honored to join the Illinois Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. I look forward to working alongside fellow board members to help attract new investment, expand opportunity and support long-term economic growth throughout our state.
Illinois EDC’s board of directors is essential in shaping and fulfilling the organization’s mission to attract business and investment in Illinois. Board members reflect Illinois’ diverse industries, geographies, and backgrounds. Members of the board serve as ambassadors for Illinois, highlighting the assets and opportunities Illinois offers to the world.
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