K.C. Belitz, the director of Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development (DED), has announced his resignation after serving for two years. Governor Jim Pillen confirmed the resignation, stating that Belitz’s last day with the state will be July 18. No specific reasons were provided for his departure.
Belitz expressed pride in his accomplishments during his tenure, particularly in leading efforts to attract businesses and talent to Nebraska. He highlighted initiatives such as the “6 Regions, One Nebraska” program, which fosters collaboration among communities to address shared economic development needs. Belitz described his role as “immensely satisfying,” allowing him to engage with stakeholders across the state who are dedicated to community growth and prosperity.
As DED director, Belitz oversaw the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in grants aimed at revitalizing areas such as North and South Omaha and supporting rural communities. Pillen praised Belitz as a committed public servant whose work has positioned Nebraska to attract companies in industries like bioeconomy, manufacturing, and technology.
Belitz plans to focus on personal pursuits, including coaching volleyball and supporting his wife’s teaching career, as well as exploring partnership opportunities in a business venture. An interim leader for the DED is expected to be announced soon.
— News Original —
Gov. Jim Pillen announces resignation of Nebraska’s top economic developer, K.C. Belitz
LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner) – After serving just two years as the state’s top economic developer, K.C. Belitz is exiting as director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Gov. Jim Pillen announced the resignation late Tuesday, without detailing why. He said in a press release that Belitz’s final day with the state will be July 18.
Belitz, in a follow-up call, told the Nebraska Examiner he was proud of the work accomplished during his tenure, and of the team that helped him.
“I just felt it was the right time,” he said of his departure, adding that it was not a decision he made abruptly. “There’s nothing dramatic here.”
For now, Belitz said, he plans to spend more time volunteering to coach volleyball at a Columbus high school, something he has done for years. He also said he wants to support his wife, who is a teacher, in her career. And Belitz noted that he has partnership interest in a business.
As DED director, Belitz has overseen the review and awarding of hundreds of millions of dollars in grants through state and local programs aimed at revitalizing key areas of Nebraska, including the often tumultuous North and South Omaha recovery grant program, as well as for smaller rural communities.
Formerly a longtime head of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Belitz, 56, has often said his focus was on how to attract people as much as businesses to his home state that sometimes struggled to fill open jobs.
“K.C. is a committed public servant, whose entire career has been about growing local communities and growing Nebraska,” said Pillen, whose hometown also is Columbus. “Over the past two years, he has been a positive champion for bringing new business to the state and fostering relationships that will allow Nebraska to continue attracting companies involved in the bioeconomy, manufacturing, technology and other industries. I appreciate all that K.C. has done as director of DED and wish him the very best in all future endeavors.”
Belitz said it was a pleasure to serve Pillen and Nebraskans as DED director. He replaced Tony Goins, who resigned from his $215,000-a-year-job amid questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Of his DED post, Belitz described it as “immensely satisfying.”
“It has afforded me the chance to meet stakeholders across Nebraska who care deeply about their communities, making investments and creating opportunities so that families can raise their kids, have great careers, and thrive in their home state,” he said.
Among his highlights, he said, were talent attraction efforts and the launch of the “6 Regions, One Nebraska” initiative, an effort that encourages communities within each region to work together to identify and address key shared economic development needs.
The Pillen statement said an announcement on an interim DED leader is to be made later.
Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Aaron Sanderford for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com.
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