McKillip named Innovation Zone Comm. exec. director

LINCOLN, NEB. (February 7, 2006)-Kathy McKillip has been hired as executive director of the newly formed Nebraska Innovation Zone Commission.

McKillip will be involved in coordinating community capacity building, public engagements, and communications for the Commission. Her work also will include administrating directives and designs created by the Commission.

"The reality that I am a contributor in the capacity building and collaborative efforts defining the future of the I-80 corridor is very exciting," McKillip said. "This is a commission that could very well create a scope of work, charting the path for economic development progress throughout the corridor and along I-80, benefiting all of Nebraska."

Prior to joining the commission, she coordinated the Nebraska Community Improvement Program and administered the Rural Community Development Initiative Grant program for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). McKillip also is a member of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association.

LB 546, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Pam Brown during the 2005 legislative session, led to the creation of the 19-member commission whose mission statement reads: "Fostering regional partnerships and promoting economic development opportunities for all communities within the Lincoln/Omaha I-80 corridor."

Commissioners represent Washington, Dodge, Sarpy, Saunders, Cass and Lancaster counties. Several commissioners serve as municipal representatives. These include Ken Svoboda, chair of the Lincoln City Council and the Nebraska Innovation Zone Commission, Chuck Sigerson, Omaha City council member, Ron Melbye, Waverly mayor, and Brenda Gunn, LaVista assistant city administrator. Other commission members are: Mary Ann Borgeson, Omaha; Inez Boyd, Papillion; Dean Busing, Ashland; Tim Gay, Papillion; Marsha Babcock, Elmwood; Kyle Hutchings, Omaha; Peter Kotsiopulos, Lincoln; Dr. JoAnn McDowell, Omaha; Dave Nielsen, Plattsmouth; Steve Oltmans, Omaha; John Plucknett, Plattsmouth; Jim Strand, Lincoln; Jeff Weak, Gretna; Bob Workman, Waverly; and Jeff Quist, Blair. Oltmans also serves as commission vice chair.

"The commission was created to support continuity, coordination and cooperation among national, state, multicommunity, and local economic development initiatives throughout the designated zone," McKillip said. "This corridor affords excellent opportunities for business expansion, economic development, job creation and educational and business partnerships."

DED provides funding and administrative support for the commission.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Kathy McKillip at 402-471-6587, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it