County of San Bernardino Welcomes Karen Patel to lead the Economic Development Department
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Karen Patel, one of Illinois' leading economic developers, has taken the reins of the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Department. Patel, the former President of the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. in the Chicago metro area of Illinois, began work as the economic development director this week.
Patel, who was appointed by County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency Administrator Brian McGowan, will oversee the Economic Development Department. The department is one of four organized under the authority of the Economic Development Agency. The others are the Redevelopment Agency, Workforce Development Department and Community Development and Housing.
The Economic Development Department is responsible for recruiting businesses to San Bernardino County as well as retaining and supporting existing businesses.
"When we decided to renew our commitment to economic development, we recognized the need to recruit top talent to lead our efforts," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus. "Karen Patel brings key expertise and experience to our team which will pay off with better jobs and an enhanced quality of life for our residents."
Patel, a former bank branch president in Chicago and Atlanta, spent more than five years leading the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. As the head economic developer, Patel led efforts to address job skill deficiencies in McHenry County, draw investment to the area's infrastructure and work with companies looking to relocate from throughout the country and around the globe.
"We plan to create a proactive, private sector focus for economic growth in San Bernardino County," Patel said. "We all know the private sector drives the economy, not government. The Board of Supervisors is taking an innovative, out-of-the box approach to building a strong and prosperous economy for San Bernardino County and its residents."
In addition to her leadership post in McHenry County, Patel also served several regional and statewide economic development groups in Illinois. She was a member of the McHenry County Workforce Investment Board, member of the Illinois Development Council, member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Council, vice chair of the McHenry County Public Transportation Authority Commission and member of the International Economic Development Council.
About the County of San Bernardino
Located at the heart of Southern California, one of the world's most lucrative economies, the County of San Bernardino is the largest county in the contiguous United States. Its vast borders stretch from the greater Los Angeles area to the Nevada border and the Colorado River encompassing a total area of 20,160 square miles. Comprised of 24 cities, the County of San Bernardino is the 5th fastest growing county in the nation with almost 2 million residents. Its assets include numerous colleges and universities supporting a strong, diverse workforce along with an unparalleled collection of highways, runways and railways that lead to regional, national and international business centers. The County also benefits from natural assets such as acclaimed mountain resorts, Joshua Tree national park, Mojave National Preserve, Western rivers and local and regional parks.
Under the leadership of the County's Economic Development Agency, four key departments are dedicated to providing programs, services and incentives to foster a competitive environment for businesses and maximize the standard of living for residents. The Economic Development Agency is committed to business first programs in economic development including business attraction, retention and expansion, marketing, job development and city-county collaboration. In all ways, the County is driven to provide the foundation that creates greater opportunity for residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.OpportunityCA.us
Patel, who was appointed by County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency Administrator Brian McGowan, will oversee the Economic Development Department. The department is one of four organized under the authority of the Economic Development Agency. The others are the Redevelopment Agency, Workforce Development Department and Community Development and Housing.
The Economic Development Department is responsible for recruiting businesses to San Bernardino County as well as retaining and supporting existing businesses.
"When we decided to renew our commitment to economic development, we recognized the need to recruit top talent to lead our efforts," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus. "Karen Patel brings key expertise and experience to our team which will pay off with better jobs and an enhanced quality of life for our residents."
Patel, a former bank branch president in Chicago and Atlanta, spent more than five years leading the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. As the head economic developer, Patel led efforts to address job skill deficiencies in McHenry County, draw investment to the area's infrastructure and work with companies looking to relocate from throughout the country and around the globe.
"We plan to create a proactive, private sector focus for economic growth in San Bernardino County," Patel said. "We all know the private sector drives the economy, not government. The Board of Supervisors is taking an innovative, out-of-the box approach to building a strong and prosperous economy for San Bernardino County and its residents."
In addition to her leadership post in McHenry County, Patel also served several regional and statewide economic development groups in Illinois. She was a member of the McHenry County Workforce Investment Board, member of the Illinois Development Council, member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Council, vice chair of the McHenry County Public Transportation Authority Commission and member of the International Economic Development Council.
About the County of San Bernardino
Located at the heart of Southern California, one of the world's most lucrative economies, the County of San Bernardino is the largest county in the contiguous United States. Its vast borders stretch from the greater Los Angeles area to the Nevada border and the Colorado River encompassing a total area of 20,160 square miles. Comprised of 24 cities, the County of San Bernardino is the 5th fastest growing county in the nation with almost 2 million residents. Its assets include numerous colleges and universities supporting a strong, diverse workforce along with an unparalleled collection of highways, runways and railways that lead to regional, national and international business centers. The County also benefits from natural assets such as acclaimed mountain resorts, Joshua Tree national park, Mojave National Preserve, Western rivers and local and regional parks.
Under the leadership of the County's Economic Development Agency, four key departments are dedicated to providing programs, services and incentives to foster a competitive environment for businesses and maximize the standard of living for residents. The Economic Development Agency is committed to business first programs in economic development including business attraction, retention and expansion, marketing, job development and city-county collaboration. In all ways, the County is driven to provide the foundation that creates greater opportunity for residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.OpportunityCA.us
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