A long-time executive of the Valley Economic Alliance has been named as the group’s new chief. Kenn Phillips will take over the Sherman Oaks group that works to retain companies in the San Fernando Valley and attract new ones. He replaces Greg Krikorian who left after about 16 months to take a position at Woodbury University in Burbank. Phillips, 56, has been with the Alliance for 15 years, most recently as senior vice president. The board voted to appoint him chief executive on Thursday. Among his first tasks will be identifying what Phillips called “100 visionaries” who work in business, government, education, and community organizations to improve the Valley’s economy. “What we are looking for are people who see the big picture, are committed to the region and have the muscle to move the Valley forward,” he said. “These are decision-makers who are well known and will work with other likeminded people,” he added. Prior to joining the Alliance, Phillips worked for Boeing Co. He serves as a commissioner on the City of Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board. The Alliance was formed in 1994 in part as the result of that year’s Northridge Earthquake that devastated the Valley. It serves the cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas and San Fernando.