RICHMOND - Mark R. Kilduff, Executive Director for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, announced Friday that he will retire at the conclusion of his four-year contract, which expires in June. Kilduff, a 37-year state veteran, has served as Executive Director since May 1999. The announcement was made during VEDP’s Board of Directors quarterly meeting.
“Mark Kilduff’s decision to retire is not a complete surprise to the Board given his long service to Virginia’s economic development efforts,” said VEDP Board Chairman Tom Fowlkes. “Mark has served this Commonwealth with distinction for 37 years and his dedication to building the Partnership into a high-performing organization focused on results is a testament to his hard work, vision and dedication to Virginia.”
Kilduff has agreed to remain in his leadership role until a new Executive Director is named, and to assist with the transition as requested by the Board. The position is appointed by the organization’s Board of Directors. Steve DelBianco, VEDP Board Vice Chairman and Personnel Committee Chairman, was empowered by the Board to engage a search firm to assist in a national search for a new Executive Director.
Kilduff has worked to assist the Commonwealth’s economic development efforts since 1967. Prior to his role as VEDP’s Executive Director, Kilduff served a variety of functions within the organization to include marketing, industrial development and research. He also worked as the Partnership’s Deputy Director.
Board members praised Kilduff’s performance as Executive Director for the past six years. “Mark has demonstrated tremendous dedication, value and commitment,” said Board Member Richard F. Neel, Jr. “He has made this organization a tremendous asset to the Commonwealth and my hat is off to him. He leaves us in a very strong position to continue with Virginia’s economic development success.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 15-member board of directors appointed by the Governor. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade development.