Kirk Bjorland developed strong roots in Lamoni, where he grew up, graduated from Graceland University, served stints as city administrator and as mayor, and worked for Graceland as vice president for enrollment management, in student recruiting, in marketing and communications, and as athletic director.

Along the way, he beat colon cancer.

Weeks after a couple of friends called him to see if he might be interested in running the Iowa Innovation Corp. — part of the private machinery in the state’s public-private partnership on economic development — he landed his new job as president and CEO of the organization.

That brought him to Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines, where innovation in part means building a full-scale grocery store topped by apartments next to the county courthouse and a major entertainment district, across from a old hotel that is getting a rehab. Bjorland works above one of downtown’s breweries, but in June he’ll move the offices to the Insurance Exchange Building, where his neighbors will include the nonprofit Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a group that knows its way around environmental innovation.

Bjorland comes in as his corporation adjusts to a new board chair and the departure of a couple of key staffers. But the staff of four is ready to help Iowa companies find a mentor, financing, or a sounding board. They will work in an environment of economic recovery that has been plodding and not what many expected.

“You have to acknowledge that the new normal is that there is no normal,” Bjorland said.

We sat down to ask Bjorland about his new position.

What are the challenges facing innovation? 
We have increased competition across the state and country, we have global changes in technologies, and we have changes in the way people learn. Do you grant a certificate? Do you grant a badge? Do you get a degree other than a four-year liberal arts degree? There is value in all that.

What are your main qualifications for this job?
I have a background in economic development and entrepreneurship. In Iowa, we grow our own. I can work with anyone in the state, from a major corporation to someone in a garage. Relationships allow me to do what I have done.

When someone approaches the corporation, or you offer to help, what types of assistance can you provide?
Do they need a mentor? Do they need financing? It’s about building contacts and leveraging. My biggest role is bringing people together. Iowa has a strong work ethic and strong relationships. I think there are a lot of programs out there that people just don’t know about.

Are there certain areas you will focus on?
We are always partnering with the state. We are looking mainly at advanced manufacturing, biosciences and information technology. The benefit of what we do is we can team with the state but we are a private organization and can do things that perhaps the state can’t.

How do you encourage innovation?
We have to grow our own, whether that’s a 70-year-old company or someone in the garage. Pressure sometimes leads to change. For us, that pressure can be global competition. When times are good, what pressures do people feel to innovate? We have to compete. We can compete.

What did your family think about your move to Des Moines?
My son is at Iowa State University and he kept calling and asked if I would consider moving to Des Moines. My daughter was already training at Iowa All Stars Cheer & Tumbling in Urbandale.

What do you like to do in your spare time, if you have any?
I chase my kids. I exercise, mostly strength training.