State Economic Development Director resigns his position

LINCOLN — 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-yearjob amid questions about potential conflicts of interest.