CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (July 2, 2026) — Bailey Conrady joins the University of Illinois Research Park as Associate Director of Community and Industry Partnerships, bringing a strong background in relationship building, strategic leadership and community engagement.
Before joining the Research Park, Bailey served as Manager of the Champaign County Farm Bureau, where she made history as the first woman to serve as the organization’s chief executive. During her tenure, she led organizational strategy, public policy initiatives and partnerships that strengthened connections between agriculture, business, education and local communities. Known for her collaborative leadership style and deep connections across Central Illinois, Bailey has built a career creating partnerships that deliver meaningful results for organizations and the communities they serve.
A two-time graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Bailey earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Animal Sciences. As a fifth-generation farmer who lives on her family’s farm near Armstrong, IL with her husband, 2 children, and farm dog, she brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to strengthening the region she calls home. Passionate about the intersection of agriculture, innovation and economic development, she looks forward to expanding partnerships between the University, industry, entrepreneurs and the broader community. Her experience working across the public, private, nonprofit and agricultural sectors provides a unique perspective on connecting organizations with the talent, resources, and research that drive economic growth.
Bailey is excited to help advance the Research Park’s mission of fostering innovation, supporting startup and corporate growth and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Champaign-Urbana and beyond.
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About Research Park at the University of Illinois
Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a technology hub for startup companies and corporate research and development operations. Within Research Park there are 120 companies employing students and full-time technology professionals. More information at researchpark.illinois.edu.