Tinley's Economic Development Director Leaving Role

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park Economic Development Director Ivan Baker on Tuesday announced his resignation in order to accept a new position as CEO for the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois. His resignation becomes effective July 15.

Since 2003, Baker has been responsible for business attraction and retention, development marketing, economic development, business incentive and corporate real estate activities for the Village of Tinley Park.

“It has been an honor to work with former Mayor Ed Zabrocki, who has been recognized internationally for his phenomenal economic development leadership, Mayor Dave Seaman and our other outstanding Village leaders that have been dedicated to fiscal management, professional accreditation and development progress,” Baker said.

During his tenure, Baker was part of the Tinley Park team that encouraged significant economic growth, with more than $380 million in new commercial/industrial development. This includes Archer Wire, Panduit World Headquarters, Brookside Marketplace, M Block, Pass Crockett Building, Park Hills Shopping Center, Great Escape and UGN.

“Thanks in part to Ivan’s tireless work, Tinley Park now is the 20th largest community in Illinois, one of the top 30 employment centers in Illinois and has the become the 13th largest retail center in Metro Chicago, with more retail sales than Oakbrook, Lombard, Downers Grove or Arlington Heights,” Mayor Dave Seaman said. “He will be missed, and we wish him well moving forward with his new job.”

Throughout the last 35 years working in seven states, Baker has coordinated real estate and incentive negotiations resulting in more than $2.4 billion in commercial, industrial and redevelopment investments and 31,000 new jobs.