Tamara Lowney

Hailing from the charming surroundings of Hill City, Minnesota, Tamara Lowney has dedicated over 20 years to a remarkable career at ARAMARK, where she took on leadership roles across the United States and internationally. Her work has spanned notable locations such as Alaska, Ohio, and California, culminating in significant contributions to prestigious events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Asian Games, and the 2012 London Olympics. Known for her resilience and ability to manage diverse teams, Tamara has deftly overcome numerous challenges throughout her journey.

In 2013, Tamara returned to her rural roots with a strong commitment to community enhancement. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, emphasizing management, followed by a Master of Business Administration in 2022. Her economic development career began as a member of APEX, the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion, focusing on northeastern Minnesota.

Since 2019, Tamara has served as the President of the Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in Grand Rapids, MN, where she has fostered remarkable growth. Under her leadership, IEDC has secured over $2.5 million in grants for The Forge—a transformational facility that supports business incubators, workforce development, education, and training, officially opening its doors in 2023.

Tamara’s contributions to economic development were recognized when she received the Innovation Award from EDAM in 2020, part of their Excellence in Economic Development Awards. She has successfully expanded the IEDC team from three to seven members, significantly enhancing support for small businesses in the area. Additionally, she actively serves on the boards of Northspan and Propel for Nonprofits and is currently the Chair of the State of Minnesota Energy Transition Advisory Committee.

Residing in Hill City with her husband and daughter, Tamara cherishes the close-knit community and small-town life that she and her family hold dear.