By John Byczkowski
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Johnathan Holifield

Johnathan Holifield, who has led the high-tech development effort of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce since its inception in 2000, resigned his position this week because "it was time to move on," he said in an interview Tuesday.

Holifield resigned as executive director of CincyTechUSA, an effort to form a high-tech region, managed by the chamber and funded through local economic development programs. His last day is April 16.

Chamber president Michael Fisher acknowledged "Johnathan's contributions to this space and helping our region put some focus on it. We're very appreciative of his efforts."

But Fisher would not commit to filling the vacancy, instead saying, "Johnathan's decision gives us an opportunity to take a look at (CincyTechUSA) and its coordination and connectedness to our overall economic development efforts.

"I'll do that certainly working closely with CincyTech's chair, Jim Anderson (CEO of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center), and with some other important stakeholders."

Neither man would discuss specific reasons for Holifield's departure. Holifield, a former Hamilton County assistant prosecutor and Cincinnati Bengals running back, said he does not have another job lined up. "I'm exploring all options within the region and outside the region," he said. "My wife is from the East Coast - we're looking out there, and we'll just see what develops."

Asked if Holifield's resignation was a surprise, Fisher said: "Johnathan's a talented guy. I'm sure he has many opportunities. Like many people who start up something, he has certainly helped us get this thing off the ground."

E-mail johnb@enquirer.com