CORRECTING and REPLACING Kane County Economic Development Corporation Appoints Michael Cassa as Chief Executive Officer

Seasoned economic development leader to accelerate countywide strategy, strengthen site readiness, and expand investment and partnership outcomes across Kane County’s 29 municipalities

BATAVIA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please replace the release with the following corrected version due to multiple revisions.

The updated release reads:

KANE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPOINTS MICHAEL CASSA AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Seasoned economic development leader to accelerate countywide strategy, strengthen site readiness, and expand investment and partnership outcomes across Kane County’s 29 municipalities.

The Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) today announced the appointment of Michael Cassa as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, bringing in an experienced leader to advance coordinated, business-led growth and strengthen Kane County’s competitiveness for investment, expansion, and site selection.

Cassa has served as CEO of public/private partnerships in Downers Grove and Oswego. Most recently, he was the Economic Development Director for the Village of Sugar Grove. He began his economic development career as Director of Business Development in the Economic Development Group of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce. He has extensive experience in business attraction, retention and expansion, redevelopment strategies, and international business development.

“I am pleased that Michael Cassa has accepted the position of inaugural CEO of the Kane County Economic Development Corporation,” said Madam Chairman Corinne Pierog. “This appointment marks an important milestone in the County’s approach to coordinated economic growth. Under his leadership, KCEDC will serve as a vital partner in advancing public-private partnerships and supporting a dynamic and resilient economic future for Kane County.”

“I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Kane County Economic Development Corporation,” said Cassa. “Kane County has the fundamentals that companies look for. My focus is to make decision makers aware of the advantages of locating or expanding their business in Kane County, and to create a county-wide team that will foster a streamlined site selection experience.”

Year-one priorities focused on execution

In its first year, KCEDC will focus on delivering value for site selectors, investors, municipalities, and regional partners:

• Site Readiness System: A standardized, decision-ready approach that helps site selectors quickly evaluate opportunities and move projects forward, with consistent site profiles, clear infrastructure and permitting pathways, and a coordinated concierge experience.
• Speed-to-market coordination: KCEDC will serve as a front door for projects by partnering with municipalities, utilities, workforce organizations, and regional partners, reducing friction and streamlining the path from inquiry to decision.
• Targeted sector growth: Focused support for advanced manufacturing; food and beverage manufacturing and packaging; transportation, distribution, and logistics; life sciences; and business services aligned with workforce partnerships and talent pathways.

About Michael Cassa

Michael Cassa has 33 years of experience as an economic development professional. He has served as Chairman of the Illinois Economic Development Association. Cassa also served as a member of the Public Policy Committee of the International Economic Development Council. He has fostered relationships with site consultants, developers and brokers, and corporate real estate managers. He has also built partnerships with public sector leaders at all levels of government. Cassa’s first day as CEO will be April 1, 2026.

About the Kane County Economic Development Corporation

The Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) is a privately and publicly funded, business-led organization aligned with public partners to advance coordinated economic growth across Kane County. KCEDC supports existing businesses, attracts new investment, strengthens site readiness, connects employers to workforce resources, and fosters partnerships that expand opportunity across all 29 municipalities. KCEDC is headquartered at 147 First Street in downtown Batavia. Visit kanecountyedc.com to learn more.