Briana’s love and passion for rural southwest Minnesota runs deep, even though she grew up in a large suburban community. She’s inspired by the incredible people who live, work, learn, worship and play in our region. Economic development captured Briana’s interest because it offered an avenue to continue her passion for community service. The industry enables her to connect with a diverse range of people, foster relationships and actively participate in initiatives that aim to improve and strengthen community – which inspires her! In her role as economic development manager, Briana helps craft and implement innovative programs spanning business finance, entrepreneurship, workforce initiatives and regional economic development. Learn more about our economic development work.
Prior to joining the foundation, Briana served as the economic development coordinator for Redwood County where she designed and led programs and initiatives to catalyze entrepreneurship, broadband development, child care capacity, business retention and expansion, pandemic response, community leadership and economic vitality throughout the county.
Briana has been highly engaged in leadership roles in economic and community development, including serving as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and on the Minnesota Agriculture and Economic Development Board, in addition to being past president of the Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers. She also serves as president of LINC Redwood County, a local nonprofit leadership program.
Briana makes her home in Franklin, where she and husband Matthew are raising their two children. Briana loves spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants and places. She also enjoys photography, reading, coffee and spending time outside.
Position: Economic Development Manager