Board of Directors

Joe Gabardi - Educator & Workforce Development AdvocateWith over two decades of experience in education, Joe Gabardi has dedicated his career to equipping students with practical skills and career-ready training. A lifelong resident of the Iron Range, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Bemidji...

With that, we need a resilient and dedicated team here at IEDC. We are excited to announce that we have added Matt Shermoen, formerly with Area Partnership of Economic Expansion (APEX), as our new Manager of Business Development. Matt has worked directly with IEDC for...

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, improving the community has long been a passion of Nichole’s. After obtaining a degree in education from College of Saint Benedict, Nichole began as an educator in Central MN and from there to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area to...

Kayla Swanson, a proud Itasca County native, has built her career on a passion for showcasing and strengthening the many assets of Itasca County. After graduating from Greenway High School in 2013, she pursued her education at Itasca Community College, earning her Associate of Arts...

Born and raised amidst the expansive landscapes of South Dakota, Dan's journey led him to the vibrant community of Grand Rapids in 2022, alongside his loving wife. Having earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business, Dan's...