Former Fort Knox Garrison Commander’s Tenure Begins in September
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – Today marks an exciting chapter for Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) as they proudly announce the appointment of retired Col. Lance O’Bryan as their incoming President/CEO, effective September 1, 2024.
O’Bryan brings a wealth of military expertise to his new role. He has served three assignments at Fort Knox, notably as the Fort Knox Garrison Commander from 2021 to 2023. His responsibilities during this tenure were akin to those of a city manager, overseeing an installation with a bustling daytime population exceeding 26,000 individuals.
The selection of O’Bryan follows the retirement announcement of retired Brig. Gen. Jim Iacocca, who has led KRDA since 2018. The board cited O’Bryan’s profound understanding of Fort Knox’s operations and his robust relationships both on and off post as pivotal factors in his selection as the next leader of KRDA.
KRDA board chairwoman Marilyn Ford, also the WesBanco Bank City President for the Heartland Region of Kentucky, hailed O’Bryan as the ideal successor to Iacocca. She emphasized his deep-rooted passion for Fort Knox and the local community, evident in his deliberate choice to make the region his home upon retiring from the Army.
O’Bryan’s military career extends beyond Fort Knox, encompassing deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, assignments with U.S. Africa Command, and the Pentagon. His leadership roles include a Garrison command in Okinawa, Japan, and positions within the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, O’Bryan stated, “There is no better defense community in the country than here in the Greater Fort Knox Region. I am honored to take on this responsibility and continue advocating for the prosperity of Fort Knox and its surrounding areas.”
During the initial two months as President/CEO, O’Bryan will collaborate closely with Iacocca in a transitional phase preceding Iacocca’s official retirement in November. Iacocca expressed confidence in O’Bryan’s ability to lead KRDA with dedication and foresight, ensuring continued success for the Fort Knox community.
With a workforce of over 22,000, Fort Knox is the region’s foremost contributor of local payroll dollars and economic impact, generating $1.3 billion in annual payroll and a $5.6 billion economic influence. As a non-profit organization, KRDA is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting Fort Knox to amplify its economic impact on the Greater Fort Knox Region and the state of Kentucky.
“We eagerly anticipate witnessing how Lance’s wealth of experience will guide KRDA into the future, building upon Jim’s achievements in enhancing Fort Knox’s economic influence,” remarked Ford.
To learn more about KRDA and its mission, visit growknox.org.