Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park Appoints Lauren Wilson as COO

Insider Brief

• The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) has appointed Lauren Wilson as Chief Operating Officer to lead operational development as the Park moves from planning into execution.
• Wilson will oversee IQMP’s physical, financial, and organizational infrastructure, supporting facilities development, tenant services, and partnership programs.
• She joins from KPMG and previously worked at the World Bank, bringing experience in large-scale infrastructure, public-sector projects, and economic development initiatives.

PRESS RELEASE — The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) today announced Lauren Wilson as its new Chief Operating Officer, a key leadership role supporting the development and long-term operations of the Park. As COO, Wilson will lead the development and management of IQMP’s physical, financial, and organizational infrastructure, while helping implement the Park’s strategic vision across high-tech facilities, tenant services, and partnership programs. 

“Lauren Wilson brings exactly the kind of operational expertise the IQMP needs as we move from planning into execution,” said Dr. Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. “Throughout her career, Lauren has helped bring complex, mission-driven projects to life, and her leadership will be critical as we build the infrastructure, systems, and partnerships that will support this Park for decades to come.”

Wilson joins the IQMP from KPMG’s Infrastructure, Capital Projects, and Climate Advisory practice, where she served as a director advising public-sector and higher education clients on complex infrastructure and real estate initiatives, including the development, financing, and procurement of large-scale economic development projects, transit and multimodal transportation facilities, mixed-use developments, and affordable, workforce, and student housing. Previously, she worked at the World Bank, advising emerging market governments on infrastructure policy, planning, and project finance, experience that informs her approach to delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects with long-term public impact. 

“The IQMP represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position Illinois as a global leader in quantum and microelectronics innovation,” said Lauren Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. “I’m thrilled to join this team at such a pivotal moment and to help build the operational foundation that will support cutting-edge research, world-class tenants, and public-private collaboration to drive innovation and discovery.”

The IQMP, which broke ground in Fall 2025, is a 128-acre development that provides infrastructure and resources to support the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, hardware, software, and applications.