Abby Powell is the Director of Business Development for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, where one of her responsibilities is providing staff support to the Mid-Illinois Medical District. She previously served as the City of Springfield’s Economic Development Operations Coordinator and TIF Manager in the Office of Planning and Economic Development for eight years. In that role, she managed ten municipal TIF districts, with annual budgets of approximately $6 million, and provided guidance and technical assistance to hundreds of projects and businesses. During her tenure, Abby created innovative neighborhood-development programs such as the homeowner improvement grants in Enos Park and the concept for what is now a successful artist residency program at the Springfield Art Association.
Abby grew up in Normal, IL and received a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Monmouth College. Her career path has taken her through all “big three Lincoln” states: Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. In Indiana, she earned a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Economic Development from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs; one of her internships was to assist the Town of Normal in working with business owners to formulate the “Uptown Normal” infrastructure improvements and identity. In Kentucky, she worked for the State in environmental regulations for five years.
Abby has served on the executive board of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Tax Increment Association since 2016.
Abby and her husband, Dathan, live in Springfield with their two children, Finn and Oscar, and one ill-considered pet rabbit.