Staff

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

Tamara Lowney

President & CEO

Staff

Hailing from rural Hill City, Minnesota, Tamara Lowney embarked on a career spanning over 20 years with ARAMARK, both in the United States and internationally. Her journey included leadership roles in hospitality organizations across Alaska, Ohio, and California. Tamara further extended her impact by joining...

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...

Amanda Lamppa

Project Manager

Staff

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Amanda graduated from Itasca Community College and the University of Minnesota Duluth, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following her passion for rural initiatives and building strong community, she held executive positions at two local non-profits. Her organizational...

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

Operations & Outreach Manager

Staff

Kayla, a native of Taconite, has always been passionate about showcasing and uplifting the numerous assets of Itasca County. Graduating from Greenway High School in 2013, she chose to extend her stay in the county, attending Itasca Community College and earning her Associates 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...

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Teri Heikkila

Finance Manager

Staff

Teri began working at IEDC in January of 2000. Initially hired part-time to support the team, it quickly became full time as she took on more responsibilities. Over the past twenty years, Teri has remained an anchor and historian of the organization. She is responsible...

Spencer Bloch

Administrative Assistant

Staff

Born and raised in the Grand Rapids area, Spencer attended GRHS through 10th grade. He then went on to attend Itasca Community College through the PSEO program. It was there that he pursued his AS and studied Engineering and STEM. After graduating in 2016, with...