Staff

IEDC’s professional staff is well-connected and ready to help you every step of the way. Our five-member team has a wide range of skills and works with partners across the region to bring businesses the resources they need!

Joe Gabardi

FORGE Manager

Staff

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...

Matt Shermoen

Business Development Manager

Staff

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...

Nichole Arbour

Business Consulting Manager

Staff

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

Finance & Operations Manager

Staff

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...

Dan Gile

Business Consultant

Staff

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...