Ryan Croke has been elected president of the Mid-Illinois Medical District, established in 2003 by the Illinois General Assembly to help promote growth in a one-square-mile area just north of downtown Springfield. Dr. Charlotte Warren, president of Lincoln Land Community College, had served as the MIMD president for the past 10 years.

Croke is the chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Human Services. He also serves as an adjunct instructor for University of Illinois Springfield, teaching a graduate seminar for the Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program. Croke previously served as the executive director of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living and chief of staff for Governor Pat Quinn.

In addition, Abby Powell with the City of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development has been appointed to serve as the staff liaison for the MIMD. Powell has served as the city’s economic development operations coordinator and TIF manager since 2014.