Ben Dieterich

Ben Dieterich is the vice president of finance, operations, and administration of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership focused on global business development for the State of Illinois. Ben oversees financial, administrative, and operational activities for the organization.

Most recently, Ben oversaw financial operations for the University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab, two of the university’s urban labs working to have social impact by carrying our R&D in close collaboration with the public sector and community-based partners to reduce incidents of violent crime and improve educational outcomes. During his time with the Crime Lab and Education Lab, Ben led the transition from a legacy financial system and focused on system and process improvements.

Before joining the Crime Lab and Education Lab, Ben served as CFO for the Illinois State Police. During his time with the State Police, Ben directed agency-wide financial operations and led efforts to modernize processes, improve fiscal oversight, and increase transparency. Before joining the State Police, Ben held several roles at the City of Chicago, including deputy budget director for Revenue and Finance and deputy budget director for Internal and Regulatory departments.

Ben obtained his master of public policy degree at the University of Chicago Harris School, and his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College. A native Iowan, Ben and his family live in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago.