Mike Edwards takes a new job as top director of the Chicago Loop Alliance

Michael Edwards, who was CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership before taking a similar job in Pittsburgh, will become the head economic development director for Chicago's downtown Loop district.

Edwards will be the executive director of the Chicago Loop Alliance, Edwards, 53, will be charge of economic development efforts for the Loop, Chicago’s downtown business core. He will oversee a budget of $2.7 million and a staff of seven.

In 2005 Edwards took the head job at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. He remained there for six years, returning to Spokane last year.

In the past year, Edwards moved back to Washington and served as an economic development consultant, most recently for the City of Spokane.

Edwards starts the new job this week.

Edwards is a member of the International Downtown Association and National Parks and Recreation Association, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Michael Edwards, who was CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership before taking a similar job in Pittsburgh, has landed an economic development job in Chicago.

Edwards will be the executive director of the Chicago Loop Alliance, Edwards, 53, will be charge of economic development efforts for the Loop, Chicago’s downtown business core. He will oversee a budget of $2.7 million and a staff of seven.

In 2005 Edwards took the head job at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. He remained there for six years, returning to Spokane last year.

In the past year, Edwards moved back to Washington and served as an economic development consultant, most recently for the City of Spokane.

Edwards starts the new job this week.

Edwards is a member of the International Downtown Association and National Parks and Recreation Association, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh.