CED Announces Leadership Transition as Doug Pryor Steps Down After Decade of Growth and Investment in Will County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/14/2026

The Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) today announced that Doug Pryor will step down as President & CEO after nearly 10 years with the organization.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary group of people who care deeply about Will County and its future,” said Pryor. “I am incredibly grateful to the CED Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve and for their support and partnership throughout my tenure. Will County and its communities have created an extraordinary environment for growth and I am confident that momentum will continue for years to come.”

During Pryor’s tenure, Will County experienced a period of strong economic and population growth, establishing the county as one of Illinois’ leading destinations for investment, business expansion and job creation.

Will County has ranked as the top job-creating county in Illinois over the past 10 years, while attracting billions of dollars in new investment across a range of industries. The county has also experienced the highest population growth of any county in Illinois since 2020, reflecting the continued strength and attractiveness of the region.

Under Pryor’s leadership, CED also significantly expanded its support for small businesses and developed new partnerships connecting employers, schools and communities. Among those efforts is CED’s high school internship program, which provided more than 125 local students with paid employment opportunities in 2026 and has become a key pathway connecting young people to careers in the region.

“Doug has played a pivotal role in the economic vitality of our county,” said Will County Executive and CED Board Chair Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “The respect he has earned in his profession expanded beyond our county borders. He has provided a solid foundation for responsible growth. I am grateful for his partnership in supporting a vision that has made our county an economic leader.”

 

 

 

“Doug’s commitment to Will County and the CED has been evident throughout his time with the organization,” said CED Treasurer Bob Filotto, a 40-year member of the organization. “He fostered strong relationships locally, throughout Illinois and internationally, strengthening the CED’s reach and becoming a trusted resource to our communities and partners. Doug has made a lasting contribution to the CED and to Will County, and I am grateful for his leadership and service.”

Pryor will assist the CED with a focused transition over the coming months as the Board of Directors leads the selection process for its next leader.

“The accomplishments of the past decade belong to a remarkable team and to the many partners who have worked together to make Will County a great place to live, work and invest,” Pryor said. “I leave this role with enormous confidence in the CED, its Board, its staff and the future of this region.”

Questions please contact: Kayla Sorensen VP of External Affairs Kayla.Sorensen@willcountyced.com 815-774-6075