Theodis Pace has held many leadership positions throughout Kankakee County. He’s just added one more. Pace, 70, who earned a Purdue University masters degree in education administration supervision in 1976, is set to assume the chairman’s post for the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. In addition to his new duties, Pace has been the longtime president of the Kankakee County Chapter of the NAACP and also served the past two years as the Illinois chapter president. He is succeeding Jeff Bennett, who will conclude his two-year chairman term at the start of the alliance’s November 12 meeting. “I’ve established relationships with so many people here and across this state. It’s about building bridges,” Pace said.
Angela Morrey, Alliance President and CEO, said Pace has been active within the direction of the Alliance since he was brought on as a board member in 2016. “He will step into this role without any problem. This is not new to him at all. Part of the great thing about our board is that so many of them are very involved,” she said. “Theodis is a solid fit.” Pace already has his sights set for the direction he’s envisioning. “Economic development is so tied to education. We have jobs, but do people have the necessary education to gain those jobs?” he asked.
Asked if he ever envisioned sitting at the head of the board of directors for the economic alliance, Pace was quick to answer: He did not. “I just always saw myself help improve the region’s quality of life, giving back to the community,” he said. “I was always near the table where decisions were being made.” Now, he is seated at the table’s head. “I’m humbled to have this opportunity,” Pace said. “I’m nothing but elated with the trust they have put in me. I’m eager, but I’m humbled.”
To read the full Daily Journal article by Lee Provost, click here.
