**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Illinois Tax Increment Association Announces Abby Powell as New Executive Director**
**Springfield, IL, May 21, 2024** – The Illinois Tax Increment Association (ITIA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Abby Powell as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. With an impressive career dedicated to economic and community development, Ms. Powell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to her new role.
Ms. Powell joins ITIA from the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, where she serves as the Director of Business Development. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in creating and implementing long-term economic plans for the region. Her work included the development and implementation of strategic plans such as the Master Plan for Downtown Springfield and the Sangamon County broadband feasibility study. Abby’s leadership in coordinating countywide site selection responses and maintaining strong relationships with national site selection consultants, local property owners, and developers has significantly bolstered the community’s business attraction efforts.
In addition to her role at the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, Ms. Powell has been an active member of the ITIA for a decade, serving as the Vice President of the Board of Directors since 2016. Her contributions have been pivotal in organizing conferences and events, and she is a sought-after speaker on best practices in tax increment financing (TIF), historic preservation, and community development.
Ms. Powell’s extensive experience in managing municipal TIF districts while at the City of Springfield, her tenure with the Mid-Illinois Medical District, and her early career roles in policy analysis and accreditation coordination, underscore her deep understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of economic development.
“We are excited to welcome Abby Powell as the Executive Director of ITIA,” said Mike Armstrong, President of the ITIA Board of Directors. “Her extensive background in economic development, her deep understanding of TIF, combined with her long-standing commitment to ITIA, makes her the ideal leader to guide our organization into the future.”
Ms. Powell holds a Master of Public Affairs with concentrations in Economic Development and Comparative International Affairs from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Monmouth College. She is also certified in Basic Economic Development by the International Economic Development Council and holds a Lean Systems Certification from the University of Kentucky College of Engineering.
“I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director at ITIA,” said Ms. Powell. “I look forward to continuing to work with our members and partners across Illinois to promote and enhance the effectiveness of tax increment financing as a tool for economic development and community improvement.”
About the Illinois Tax Increment Association:
The Illinois Tax Increment Association (ITIA) is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting the effective use of tax increment financing (TIF) for economic development and revitalization of communities in Illinois. The ITIA provides education, advocacy, and resources to its members and serves as a leading voice on TIF-related issues.
For more information, please contact:
Abby Powell
Executive Director, ITIA
Phone: (812) 345-6264
Email: Director@illinois-tif.com
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