Southeast Wyoming Economic Development District announces new Executive Director

The Southeast Wyoming Economic Development District (SWEDD) board of directors is pleased to announce Brenda Birkle has been selected as its new Executive Director. Birkle will begin her new position January 3, 2017 and will serve southeast Wyoming from an office based in Cheyenne. 

“Brenda’s vast experience with workforce, as well as state and federal grants, will help strengthen our region’s economic development efforts,” said Ashley Harpstreith, SWEDD board member and hiring committee chairman.  “We have found an excellent new leader and we’re confident she will be a tremendous benefit to our organization.” 

Birkle previously served as Director for SAGE Technical Services in Cheyenne and was responsible for building industry relationships, grant research, administration and reporting. She was key to the organization’s management of professional development programs and determining new and emerging markets. Before joining SAGE Technical Services, Birkle held several positions with the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

The SWEDD covers the four southeast Wyoming counties of Goshen, Laramie, Platte and Albany County and helps coordinate economic development issues for the area. SWEDD’s mission is to enhance and regionalize the economic development efforts in the four counties through planning, coordination, advocacy, and resource development. 

The organization is comprised of volunteers who are members of local government, economic development organizations, and private sector representatives working together to improve the economy and quality of life in the region’s communities and all of southeast Wyoming.