Kyle Harfst

Kyle serves as executive director of the Illinois Innovation Network, where he is responsible for managing and growing the IIN, including development and management of working groups and program development. He also is an associate vice president for economic development and innovation at the University of Illinois System, which serves as administrative agent for the IIN.

Prior to joining the U of I System, Kyle served as executive director of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. During that time, he also served as executive director of SIU Research Park, a university-related organization. Kyle started his professional career in banking.

Kyle earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a doctorate in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His dissertation title was Assessing the Impact of Small Business Training of Nascent Entrepreneurs in the State of Illinois.