Lincoln Partnership Names Brandon Wilcox Vice President
Wilcox, a Lincoln native, fills the economic development post vacated when Luke Peltz left in August.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development has named Brandon Wilcox vice president of economic development, with his official start set for December 21. Wilcox was chosen from more than 60 applicants after a process that interviewed more than a dozen of them.
Why it matters
The hire fills a leadership gap left by Luke Peltz's August departure for Bluestem Capital Partners. The focus in Lincoln is expected to shift toward advanced manufacturing, financial technology and insurance.
More than 60 candidates applied for the role, and more than a dozen were interviewed before selection. In his prior Wichita role, Wilcox is credited with helping bring $132.4 million in investment and nearly 300 jobs to the region.
The players
Brandon Wilcox
Brandon Wilcox is a Lincoln native with four years of economic development experience at the Greater Wichita Partnership, where he worked on aviation and other business recruitment.
Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development
The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development is the city's public-private organization responsible for recruiting businesses and driving local economic growth.
Luke Peltz
Luke Peltz previously led economic development efforts at the Lincoln Partnership before departing in August for a role at Bluestem Capital Partners.
The details
Wilcox previously spent four years as senior economic development manager at the Greater Wichita Partnership and has also worked with chambers of commerce in Shawnee and Ottawa, Kansas. He graduated from Ottawa University and is a Lincoln native returning to the city to lead its economic development efforts.
Timeline
August 2026: Luke Peltz departed the Lincoln Partnership for Bluestem Capital Partners.
November 5, 2026: The Lincoln Partnership announced Wilcox's appointment.
December 21, 2026: Wilcox officially begins as vice president of economic development.
Market Landscape
Brandon Wilcox's four years at the Greater Wichita Partnership, where he helped attract aviation and other employers, give Lincoln a leader with direct experience in regional business recruitment. His move carries that Wichita playbook into a Lincoln effort now focused on advanced manufacturing, financial technology and insurance.
Lincoln businesses seeking expansion or relocation will now work with a new point of contact at the Lincoln Partnership starting December 21. The leadership change may affect which sectors the city prioritizes in its recruitment efforts.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at economic development agencies can reshape which industries a city targets, so businesses and residents tracking Lincoln's growth should watch how Wilcox sets priorities after he starts. His record in Wichita suggests a focus on large-scale recruitment wins.
What happens next
Wilcox officially begins as vice president of economic development on December 21, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, see People in our business coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by JournalStar.
