![KRDA Names Col. Lance O’Bryan as Incoming President/CEO](https://growknox.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lance-OBryan-150x150.jpg)
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.