CEO of central Illinois economic development body fired

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The head of a central Illinois economic development organization has been fired less than a year after ascending to the post.

The Land of Lincoln Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday that president and CEO Eric Berglund was terminated for cause.

In announcing Berglund's firing, the corporation noted a regularly-scheduled audit found potential financial irregularities.

The Land of Lincoln board appointed the corporation's only other paid staff member, Josh Collins, as interim executive director.

In a press release, the board noted it didn't expect any interruption to the organization's efforts to stimulate economic development in Springfield and Sangamon County.

Berglund, formerly the president of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance, was hired in July as the LLEDC's first CEO.

Berglund, who earned $150,000 annually, did not respond to requests for comment.