Former mayor nominated to federal office

Pending Senate confirmation, former Bloomington mayor John Fernandez will take his years of economic development experience to the national level.  

President Obama appointed Fernandez to be the assistant secretary of commerce for economic development and Economic Development Administration administrator.

Fernandez will oversee programs that give federal money to community projects across the nation.

In a statement released by Bloomington’s First Capital Group, Fernandez said he was humbled and honored by the nomination.

“I look forward, if confirmed, to joining Secretary (Gary) Locke and the exceptional team he has assembled at the Department of Commerce as we work to promote innovation and competitiveness, and help American communities have sustained economic success,” he said.

As senior vice president and partner at First Capital Group, Fernandez coordinates “corporate development and expansion projects,” according to First Capital Group’s Web site.

He deals with real estate and “revitalization initiatives throughout the United States.”
First Capital itself helps big business ventures get off the ground or expand.

He also works as of-counsel at the law firm Krieg Devault. Before that, Fernandez was senior vice president at Finelight Strategic Marketing and Communications. Fernandez served as Bloomington’s mayor from 1996 to 2003 and had been president of the Bloomington City Council since 1991.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1985, a master’s degree in public administration degree in 1989 and a law degree in 1992, all from IU.

“He to me is one of the more progressive developers in the community,” said Ron Walker, president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation.

His progressive developments are not only because of green buildings, but because he has a close relationship with tenants to make sure what they’re doing is successful, Walker said.

Walker oversees the Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership, which Fernandez is credited with creating while he was mayor. The project, completed in 2004, made Bloomington more well-known for its life sciences industry, Walker said.

It’s unclear what Fernandez will focus on when he gets to office, whether it’s life sciences or another industry or goal.

“There’s so many changes going on there, I don’t know what kind of directives he’ll be given once he takes office,” Walker said.

But, Walker said, he does believe Fernandez is looking out for the small business and the community. Fernandez works for a small business and he supports high quality jobs that have a future to them, Walker said. Fernandez, whatever he does, will
capitalize on community strengths, he said.

“I think he’s a community-minded guy,” Walker said.

Fernandez is the second person from Bloomington appointed by Obama awaiting Senate confirmation. IU Maurer School of Law professor Dawn Johnsen is still awaiting confirmation to head the White House Office of Legal Counsel.