Lake County Partners is excited to announce that Steve DeBretto has joined Lake County Partners (LCP) as the team’s new Director of Strategic Initiatives. Steve brings to LCP a strong foundation in economic development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, having previously worked as the Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago and the Director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at ICNC. Over the course of his career, Steve has led collaborative projects and advanced community-focused goals. These experiences have made him an expert in forging cross-sector coalitions, managing complex initiatives, and translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes – this background makes him a natural fit for this new role.
DeBretto grew up in Chicagoland, and has a B.A. in Sociology from DePaul University and an MBA in Marketing, Finance and International Business from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
In his position at LCP, Steve will lead several cornerstone efforts aligned with Lake County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). He will oversee initiatives in housing, workforce development, early childhood education, and more, while also serving as a partner in projects led by other organizations and philanthropic partners. Steve will guide LCP’s Futures Committee, develop success metrics, nurture community and municipal relationships, and report progress regularly to LCP’s Board of Governors and other key stakeholders.
“Steve’s deep understanding of Lake County’s challenges and opportunities, combined with his collaborative leadership style, make him an outstanding choice to help us advance toward our long-term goals,” said Kevin Considine, president and CEO of Lake County Partners. “We are confident that his strategic vision and ability to build across sectors will accelerate our impact.”
Please join us in welcoming Steve DeBretto to Lake County Partners. We look forward to working alongside him as we continue to strengthen economic mobility and quality of life across Lake County.