SPRINGFIELD, IL — Shawn McKinney announces plans to retire at the end of July. His career with the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP) began in January of 2006 when he was hired by then Executive Director John Henriksen to serve in a newly created position of Outreach Manager.

Over the years his role expanded as he facilitated the work of several member committees and took over organizing the Aggregate Miner Safety Conference from the IDNR-OMM. When Dan Eichholz assumed the Executive Director’s position, the IAAP’s Board of Directors approved Eichholz’s request to designate McKinney as the IAAP’s Assistant Director.

McKinney's work with the IAAP Safety, Sustainability, and Public Information and Education (PIE) Committees includes organizing educational and outreach activities and coordinating the awards programs each committee has initiated after modeling the success of the IAAP’s Rock Solid Safety awards. McKinney said he will miss involvement with the PIE Committee and its Rocks, Minerals and Mining Workshop for Illinois Teachers each summer.

Most recently, McKinney helped marshal the IAAP members’ initiative to establish the Let’s Rock Illinois workforce development promotional campaign and coordinate the new Emerging Leaders program helping member companies prepare their brightest talent for leadership roles in the company and industry. McKinney’s addition to the IAAP staff 17 years ago has allowed the IAAP to expand its resources and member services while enhancing the IAAP’s value to member companies.

“Shawn’s commitment to the industry, as well as his value to the IAAP and its members is immense,” Eichholz said.

McKinney plans to continue working part-time with the IAAP for several months following his retirement to help train his replacement and ensure a smooth transition.