Ron Tillery

Ron has been with the Phelps County Development Corporation since May, 2016. He is the primary contact for companies considering south central Nebraska as a new home or additional location.

While recruiting new businesses to Phelps County is one of his most visible roles, he is also responsible for conducting retention and expansion programs, processing loans, and managing the operations and marketing of the organization.

Ron is originally from Kansas, moved to Nebraska as a co-owner of NTV in 1986. After selling the station, he remained in Kearney and led The Economic Development Council of Buffalo County for 17 years.

During his time in Kearney, he co-founded the Kearney Area Ag Producer’s Alliance (KAAPA) that later built the KAAPA Ethanol plant, helped establish the Kearney Redevelopment Authority, led recruitment of the $150 million Abengoa Biofuels facility and helped assemble resources to bring the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument to the area. He also served as chairman of the Nebraska Housing Commission.

Ron also served as the executive director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce for six years, where he encouraged economic development and helped that community renew its LB840 sales tax initiative.