Oak Forest Names Next Economic Director

OAK FOREST, IL - An official in Lansing has been tapped as the next economic and community development director in Oak Forest.

The hiring of Travis Bandstra has been approved by the Oak Forest City Council and he will start in the new role on April 17, according to a news release from the city.

Bandstra comes to Oak Forest from Lansing, where he served as director of economic development for the village beginning in 2014. In Lansing, Bandstra is credited with attracting new businesses through a retail recruitment strategy and helping develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the village.

“Travis has had a lot of success engaging business owners and cultivating a burgeoning downtown in a neighboring town,” said Oak Forest City Administrator Troy Ishler. “His willingness to try new ideas and streamline processes will be a strong asset for us.

Before his time in Lansing, Bandstra served as the director of alumni relations at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights.

Photo via City of Oak Forest