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Today, Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) announced the selection of retired Col. Lance O’Bryan as President/CEO, beginning November 1, 2024.

O’Bryan brings a wealth of military experience that includes three assignments at Fort Knox, most notably serving as the Fort Knox Garrison Commander from 2021 to 2023. As Garrison Commander, O’Bryan’s role was akin to being a city manager for the installation, which has a daytime population of more than 26,000 people. 

O’Bryan will succeed retired Brig. Gen. Jim Iacocca, who announced his intention to retire from the role last year to spend more time with his family. Iacocca has led the organization since 2018.  

The KRDA board cited O’Bryan’s understanding of Fort Knox’s inner workings, coupled with his strong working relationships both on and off post, as some of the many reasons they chose him to be the next leader of KRDA.  

KRDA board chairwoman and WesBanco Bank City President for the Heartland Region of Kentucky, Marilyn Ford, called O’Bryan the ideal successor to Iacocca.

“While Lance’s experience and knowledge most certainly stood out to the selection committee, it was also his passion for Fort Knox and our community that set him apart. Fort Knox was his number one choice for his command assignment and he chose to call our community home upon retiring from the Army,” Ford said. “We are so blessed to have yet another amazing military leader help us promote and protect the largest economic engine for our region.”

In addition to Garrison Command, O’Bryan held previous assignments on Fort Knox at the now deactivated 3/1 Brigade Combat Team as well as U.S. Army Human Resources Command. His military career also included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as assignments with U.S. Africa Command, the Army staff at the Pentagon, and another Garrison command in Okinawa, Japan.

“Words cannot adequately express how excited I am to take on this role,” said O’Bryan. “I have a passion for Fort Knox and there is no better defense community in the country than here in the Greater Fort Knox Region.”

O’Bryan will join the KRDA team in September for a two-month transition with Iacocca, whose official retirement is Nov 1.

“I am confident that Lance will lead the organization with dedication and vision, ensuring continued success for the Fort Knox community,” said Iacocca. “Lance is a proven leader with a keen understanding of Fort Knox’s importance and I look forward to working with him as I transition from my role.” 

With a workforce of over 22,000, Fort Knox is the region’s largest contributor of local payroll dollars and economic impact, with $1.3 billion in annual payroll and a $5.6 billion economic impact. As a community-based non-profit, KRDA’s mission is to protect and promote Fort Knox to increase its economic impact on the Greater Fort Knox Region and the state of Kentucky.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lance and eagerly anticipate witnessing how his wealth of experience will guide KRDA into the future, building upon Jim’s achievements in enhancing Fort Knox’s economic influence,” said Ford.

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky (Oct 2, 2023) – The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) has announced it is searching for a new President/CEO in advance of the retirement of current President/CEO Jim Iacocca, who has announced his intention to retire from the role to spend more time with his family, effective at the end of December 2024. The announcement and the resulting transition timeline are intended to provide KRDA ample time to complete a search of candidates and successfully transition to the onboarding of Iacocca’s successor. 

KRDA will accept applications for the role of President/CEO now through Dec. 31, 2023, with a search committee slated to conduct interviews in early 2024. Prospective candidates must possess prior experience as a U.S. Army officer, specifically at the rank of Colonel, General Officer, or nominative Command Sergeant Major. A comprehensive list of qualifications and duties required of the next KRDA President/CEO, along with an application form for the position, is available at growknox.org/ceosearch.

With a workforce of over 22,000, Fort Knox is the region’s largest contributor of local payroll dollars and economic impact, with $1.3 billion in annual payroll and a $4.8 billion economic impact. As a community-based nonprofit, KRDA’s mission is to protect and promote Fort Knox to increase its economic impact on the Greater Fort Knox Region and the state of Kentucky.

“As we embark on this search, we do so with the confidence that KRDA’s strong foundation and commitment from our board, investors, and community will continue to drive our mission forward,” said KRDA Board Chair Marilyn Ford. “Jim’s leadership at KRDA has been nothing short of extraordinary, and though we’re sad to see him go, we are comforted by the fact that he will continue to provide steadfast leadership and guidance for the next 14 months as we transition to a new leader.” 

Iacocca is KRDA’s first President/CEO and was selected in October 2017 after a 10-month search process following the organization’s inception. Iacocca began his tenure in January 2018. He is the former Adjutant General of the Army, a position he held in the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox. Iacocca’s Army career included multiple assignments at Fort Knox, including former Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command and former Brigade Commander for the Army’s 3rd Recruiting Brigade. 

In addition to his experience at Fort Knox, Iacocca served at multiple installations including Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Special Operations Command, deploying to both Afghanistan and Iraq. He also served at the Pentagon on the staff for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In August 2018, Iacocca was appointed as Chair of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs. 

“I can confidently say that my successor will take the helm of an organization with a clear mission, track record of success, a firm financial position, strong ties with the community, an extremely capable vice president, and most importantly, a committed board of directors and investors,” said Iacocca. “Though my official retirement date is still some time away, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities afforded through this role and for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community.”

This summer, thousands of additional personnel and visitors will be in the Fort Knox area as part of Cadet Summer Training (CST) missions and activities. As such, higher traffic volume is anticipated, especially on days when CST Family Days and graduations are held. Everyone is asked to exercise patience and plan accordingly for longer-than-normal wait times at the entrance gates. 

CST graduations are open to the public for attendance. Graduations are held at Brooks Field, while those ceremonies moved indoors, due to inclement weather, will be held at Natcher Gym. In addition, all graduation ceremonies will be live streamed on ArmyROTC Facebook and on the @ArmyROTC YouTube channel.

Everyone coming to Fort Knox, KY for graduation will need either a valid military ID or a visitors pass. Visitors to Fort Knox without a valid military ID can pre-register for a 5-Day FastPASS or visit the Visitor’s Center to obtain a Visitor’s Pass. All adults (18+) must possess a valid ID. 

Advanced Camp Graduation Dates:

• 6th Regiment: Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 8 a.m.
• 7th Regiment: Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 8 a.m.
• 8th Regiment: Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 8 a.m.
• 9th Regiment: Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 8 a.m.
• 10th Regiment: Friday, August 18, 2023 at 8 a.m. 

Basic Camp Graduation Dates:

• 2nd Regiment: Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 8 a.m.
• 3rd Regiment: Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 8 a.m.