Ryan Neely succeeds Dr. Keith Ballard as CIEDA Chairman

July 19, 2019

Story originally published by CIEDA

The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority Board of Trustees recently elected Ryan Neely as the organization’s new chairman. As board chair, Neely will lead CIEDA as it facilitates the recruitment and retention of primary industry jobs, the expansion of the sales tax base and the development of the next generation of workforce in Rogers County.

Neely, a third-generation Rogers County resident, follows his grandfather as a member of the CIEDA Board. Neely joined the organization in 2014 and previously served as CIEDA vice-chairman.  While his days are kept busy operating his family business, Neely Insurance & Financial Services, he remains actively engage in the local community. In addition to his service with CIEDA, Neely has served as the past president for both the Claremore Rotary Club and the Claremore United Way, former board member of the Claremore Public Schools Foundation, past member of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association and treasurer for the Claremore Baseball Boosters.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve my hometown and impact the community through my service with CIEDA,” said Neely. “My goal as chairman is to continue the organization’s collaborative, county-wide economic development efforts, as well as foster the community’s robust workforce pipeline.

Neely succeeds Dr. Keith Ballard as chairman. Dr. Ballard will continue his service to CIEDA and the community by serving as chair for the organization’s new education committee. This group will work to enhance CIEDA’s workforce initiatives and partnerships with Rogers County Schools.

“Education is key to workforce development in northeast Oklahoma,” said Dr. Ballard. “As an educator, I am proud that CIEDA has maintained a strong focus on developing talent throughout Rogers County. I look forward to continuing my tenure on the CIEDA Board, and further fostering the organization’s relationships with both area schools and business to ensure our community has the talent needed to meet our growing workforce demands.”

Prior to his tenure with CIEDA, Dr. Ballard had a rich history in education, serving as the Superintendent for Claremore, Tulsa, and Oologah Public Schools, as well as executive director for the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

“There are no words to adequately express our gratitude to Dr. Ballard for his leadership and service as CIEDA chair,” said John Feary, CIEDA executive director. “Under his leadership, our organization entered a new season with an enhanced strategy that has allowed us to witness the true, holistic impact of economic development. I am confident this momentum will continue under the leadership of Chairman Neely, and anxiously await what lies ahead for the future of Claremore and Rogers County.”