Southwest Initiative Foundation President and CEO Diana Anderson recently announced promotions for three of the foundation’s long-time staff members — Scott Marquardt, Nancy Fasching and Liz Cheney.
Scott has been named Senior Vice President. Scott joined our team in October 2007 as Senior Program Officer for Economic Development. He has served on the executive leadership team since his promotion to vice president in 2012.
Scott leads the foundation’s business finance, entrepreneurship and regional economic development initiatives, in addition to serving as staff liaison to the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. Scott holds a Master of Public Administration and an undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through IEDC and a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) through the National Development Council.
Nancy has been named Vice President of Community Impact. Nancy joined SWIF in January 2001 as Grants Specialist. She worked her way up in the organization as Grants Officer, Senior Administration and Grants Officer, and for the past five years has served as Community Impact Director.
Nancy leads our granting and community programs. She has a bachelor’s degree in management and geography from Gustavus Adolphus College. She’s on the United Community Action Agency board of directors and Winsted Economic Development Commission, helped found the Winsted Arts Council and is an alum of the Blandin Community Leadership Program.
Liz has been named Vice President of Philanthropy. Liz joined SWIF in February 2004 as our first Development Specialist. She was promoted to Program Officer and then in 2015 to Philanthropy Director.
Liz leads fundraising strategies to build our endowments through current and planned gifts and helps donors find meaning through their giving. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and organizational communication from Concordia College in Moorhead. She currently volunteers as chair of her alma mater’s Giving Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee for the National Alumni Board. Liz is also part of the Minnesota Council on Foundations Government Relations and Public Policy Committee.
“Scott, Nancy and Liz have been with the foundation for many years, and in that time they have advanced our role in the region with their creativity, hard work and expertise. I’m delighted to share the news that they’ve been promoted,” Diana said.
