The Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) has appointed Michael Cassa as its first Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, marking a key step in the county’s efforts to strengthen coordinated, business-led economic development.
Located in northeastern Illinois, Kane County forms part of the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the largest economic regions in the United States. The county benefits from proximity to Chicago’s global transportation networks, including O’Hare International Airport, as well as access to major interstate highways and rail infrastructure. With a population of more than 500,000, Kane County has positioned itself as a growing hub for industrial, logistics and advanced manufacturing activity within the broader Midwest economy.
The appointment follows the establishment of KCEDC in 2024 as a public-private, nonprofit organization focused on business attraction, retention and expansion across the county. The organization is designed to streamline site selection processes and enhance Kane County’s competitiveness for both domestic and international investment.
Cassa brings experience in economic development strategy, including roles leading public-private partnerships in Downers Grove and Oswego, as well as serving as economic development director for Sugar Grove. His background includes work in redevelopment, international business development and industry engagement. He is also a past chairman of the Illinois Economic Development Association and has contributed to policy discussions through the International Economic Development Council.
“I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Kane County Economic Development Corporation,” Cassa said. “My focus is to ensure decision makers are aware of the advantages of locating or expanding their business in Kane County, while building a coordinated, county-wide approach to site selection.”
Kane County’s economy has traditionally been anchored in manufacturing, but has diversified in recent years to include logistics, food production, life sciences and professional services. Its location along key freight corridors has supported the growth of transportation, distribution and warehousing operations, while access to a skilled workforce from the greater Chicago region continues to attract employers.
The county has also seen increasing interest from foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly from companies seeking a cost-effective alternative to central Chicago while maintaining access to its infrastructure and talent pool. This trend aligns with broader shifts in U.S. site selection, where suburban and secondary markets are gaining traction for industrial and advanced manufacturing projects.
Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog described the appointment as a milestone in advancing a more unified economic strategy. She noted that KCEDC is expected to play a central role in strengthening public-private collaboration and supporting long-term economic resilience.
Under Cassa’s leadership, KCEDC will prioritize the development of a site-readiness system in partnership with municipalities, utilities, workforce organizations and regional stakeholders. The organization has identified key target sectors including advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production and packaging, transportation and logistics, and life sciences.
The leadership appointment reflects a broader push by regional economic development organizations to align infrastructure, workforce and industry strategies to attract new investment and support business expansion across competitive U.S. regions.
