Penney named new MCEDC Executive Director
Sheri Penney, the new Mitchell County Economic Development Commission Executive Director began her role with Mitchell County this week.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Penney has worked in city government in Mason City and Waukee, Iowa.
According to Penney in both cities she worked for the Parks and Recreation Department. Most recently, she was employed by North Iowa Community Action.
With the desire to work closer to home, and a love for city government, which she said relates well with county government, Penney was urged to apply for the MCEDC Executive Director role.
Penney said, “I have found so many amazing things in Mitchell County. Our family is very active—we love to camp, we love to ride bikes, my husband works here. So, all of that combined we’ve realized that this is our home forever.”
According to Penney, she is looking forward to the opportunity to better Mitchell County, partnering with businesses, business owners and making sure everyone knows that we [economic development] are available when a business needs help.
Penney said, “I’m excited to see what we can do to help support them [business owners] and support businesses interested to coming to Mitchell County, because I think there are some really great things in this gem of North Iowa.”
Talking with businesses and business owners is one of the first tactics on Penney’s plan of action. She said, “First and foremost I need to gain as much knowledge as I can about things that have been in place in Mitchell County and things that a lot of our MCEDC board has been working on.
Additionally, Penney has her eye on beefing up the MCEDC website and social media presence. A top long-term plan on Penney’s mind includes someday expanding the bike trails to connect Mitchell County communities.
Penney has lived in rural Osage for eight years, with her husband Chris, an Osage native. The couple have three children; Hayden and Holden, both nine years of age, and Caroline, who is seven years old.
