St. Cloud executive selected as new economic development manager for Kandiyohi County

WILLMAR

— The

Kandiyohi County Economic Development

Joint Operations Board has approved the hiring of

Paynesville

resident Sheri Wegner, executive director of

ConnectAbility of Minnesota

in

St. Cloud

since 2020, as the next economic development manager for Kandiyohi County Economic Development.

Wegner will take over the position vacated by Michelle Marotzke, who resigned in May of this year, when the position was titled business development manager. The current job description is to support the retention, expansion and recruitment of businesses, working collaboratively with the executive director and Kandiyohi County Economic Development committees.

On her resume, Wegner describes herself as an “energetic and results-oriented executive director with a proven track record of fostering key relationships, driving organizational growth and securing funding. Adept at aligning strategy with brand goals, enhancing operational success and building and leading diverse teams.”

Contributed / Kandiyohi County Economic Development

Prior to her experience with ConnectAbility of Minnesota, Wegner worked as a contracted consultant for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota in St. Augusta. From 2015-2019, Wegner was the special events coordinator for the

St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce

, and from 2015-2022 she also owned Liberty Defense in Paynesville, helping clients obtain a permit to carry a handgun.

She holds a Master of Arts in fine arts and a Bachelor of Science in art education/photography from St. Cloud State University and completed a mini master of business administration course from the University of St. Thomas in nonprofit. The University of St. Thomas website describes the mini MBA as a five-day crash course to prepare participants with a solid foundation in business and leadership strategy.

Wegner has been an executive board member of several organizations, including the

Paynesville Area Chamber of Commerce,

Minnesota Professional Photographers Association and Regional Board of

Professional Photographers of America.

She has also served as the photographer and regional coordinator of

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep,

specializing in photography for families experiencing stillbirths.

Her start date will be Nov. 10 and her salary will be $75,000 per year. She is considered an “at-will” employee and will have a 90-day probationary period, and after six months of employment, her performance and professional development will be evaluated for a salary review.