Kelly Armstrong to lead new chapter for the KIN, drawn on 15 years of experience in economic development.
KENOSHA, WIS – Today, the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing a unique, neighborhood-centric site for residents and visitors to live, work, learn, and play, proudly announced the appointment of Kelly Armstrong as its first President. Armstrong will build upon the work of Jerry Franke, who was announced as the interim Executive Director last fall. Moving forward, Franke will continue to be engaged with the KIN in a consultant capacity.
Armstrong brings to the role a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement, including more than 15 years of experience in economic development and an established background of collaboration with local and regional governments. Having most recently served as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Green Bay Chamber, Armstrong led the efforts of nine strategic task forces and eleven initiatives of the Greater Green Bay Community Economic Development Strategic Plan. She also served as Director of Sector Strategy Development for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, where her work included fostering public and private partnerships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kelly Armstrong as the new staff President of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood," said Tim Mahone, President of Mahone Strategies and Board President of the KIN. "Her proven track record of fostering collaboration and driving results makes her the ideal leader to guide KIN into its next chapter of growth and innovation."
With a mission to leverage public-private partnerships, KIN aims to serve as a statewide model of inclusive, innovation-driven economic growth. Armstrong's leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing this mission and furthering KIN's impact in the Kenosha community and beyond.
"Kelly's dedication to serving the needs of residents, local entrepreneurs, and businesses aligns perfectly with KIN's vision of creating a vibrant and collaborative community,” said Mark Fedyk, President and COO of Jockey International and the Vice President of the KIN Board. “Her outgoing, approachable and energetic personal style has been and will continue to be invaluable in developing corporate, community relationships. We look forward to working closely with her to realize our shared goals.”
Following a year of thorough vetting and the KIN Board’s unanimous approval, Armstrong's appointment comes at an exciting time for KIN. In February, the KIN broke ground on the Kenosha Innovation Center, a three-story, 64,000-square-foot building,that will be situated on a 3.5-acre portion of the KIN, adjacent to the planned greenway corridor that will run through the site. The facility is expected to be completed in summer 2025 and will include leasable tenant space, as well as event and meeting space open for community use. As an anchor development on the site of the KIN, the Kenosha Innovation Center will contribute to the revitalization and transformation of the former 107 acres of vacant land in the heart of Kenosha.
Armstrong expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am honored to join the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. Together, we will build upon the foundation laid by this forward-thinking organization, fostering an environment where innovation drives and communities flourish."
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, Inc. is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer board of directors composed of local and regional leaders dedicated to fostering economic recovery, improving economic sustainability and resiliency, and ensuring equitable community access to prosperity through the development of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN). The KIN, the revitalization and transformation of 107 acres of vacant land in the heart of Kenosha, is a collaborative, mixed-use project that is bringing the community together to define and deliver a regional destination with sustainable, innovation-focused office, research, educational, commercial, residential and recreational space that meets the unique needs of neighbors, the broader Kenosha community, visitors and end-users. Learn more about the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood at www.kin-kenosha.org.
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