In the past year since he was first named a Titan 100, Kevin Considine’s biggest leadership lesson is that relationships are key – a lesson he said isn’t new but one he keeps learning over and over again. “It’s all about relationships, and those can help you and other organizations weather a storm,” he said. “I love it when people are astonished that we accomplish everything that we do with such a small team, but in reality, we couldn’t do it without a strong network of partners.”
Since assuming leadership of Lake County Partners, a nonprofit founded in 1998 to drive economic vitality and mobility, Considine has transformed the organization into a powerhouse of collaboration and innovation in Lake County, Illinois – one that relies heavily on relationships. As president and chief executive officer, Considine has spearheaded initiatives that ensure the region’s competitiveness on local, national and global levels.
Under his leadership, Lake County Partners developed a five-year economic strategy, bringing together leaders from diverse sectors—business, education, philanthropy and government—to address critical challenges and opportunities. “We were able to bring voices and perspectives into the process that hadn’t been sought before,” Considine said. “Businesses are always part of the conversation, but we went wider to include commercial real estate, life sciences, and education across all levels—from K-12 to graduate school.”
The results? Over 4,000 new jobs, 4,000 retained jobs, and $1.25 billion in direct investment over five years. “This has been Lake County’s most successful period of economic growth in decades,” said Considine.
Considine has championed initiatives to address workforce challenges and educational gaps. In 2023, Lake County Partners hosted its first-ever career fair for middle school students, welcoming over 4,000 attendees.
Considine’s commitment to community impact extends beyond his role at Lake County Partners. As chair of the Lake County Housing Authority board, he focuses on programs that help residents transition from subsidized housing to homeownership. He also serves as secretary of the board for the Partnership for College Completion, addressing systemic barriers to higher education for students of color.
Looking ahead, Considine is determined to build on this momentum. In 2025, he plans to expand work-based learning systems in high schools, aiming for every graduate to have internship experience. He also remains focused on addressing housing challenges and supporting economic growth in key sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
Considine’s leadership is driven by a passion for progress and the stories of those impacted by his efforts. “The success stories of companies or people who have prospered as a result of our work gets me fired up to do more,” he said.