Chamber recruits new VP of Economic Development

Historic City News was informed today that Declan Reiley has been named vice president of economic development for the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. Reiley earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida State University and graduate certificate from the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma.

Before taking the position with the Chamber, Reiley was vice president of business development for the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. Reiley has 25 years’ experience in adding value to major metropolitan economic development programs on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and in both private and public sectors.

“We are pleased to have recruited Declan back home where his skills, experience and knowledge makes him an outstanding choice for vice president of economic development,” Isabelle Rodriguez, president of the St. Johns County Chamber, said. “He will help us continue to make progress toward reaching our long-term development goals.”

As vice president, Reiley is responsible for implementing and overseeing all economic development initiatives and partnerships for the Economic Development Council (EDC) of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. Reiley will lead the Chamber’s business expansion and relocation efforts and work closely with state, county and city governments and other partners to support the growth of private sector jobs and the commercial tax base.

His experience has also included service as business development chief for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission; senior director for the Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership (now JAX USA Partnership); and central city development officer for the Portland (Oregon) Development Commission.

A native of Northeast Florida, he resides in Ponte Vedra Beach.