HUTCHINSON, Minn. – The Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors unanimously voted Dec. 13 to approve Scott Marquardt as the foundation’s next president, effective Feb. 1, 2023. Marquardt has led SWIF’s economic development work for more than 15 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President.
A board search committee, with help from Lyman Executive Search, conducted a thorough search process over the past six months. It included hundreds of contacts throughout the Midwest. Committee co-chair and board president Patti Dols said their goal was to be open, transparent, and identify candidates who could further SWIF’s vision, mission and values.
“Our search firm brought forth exceptionally qualified candidates who were excited about Southwest Initiative Foundation, our region and this role,” Dols said. “We are just thrilled that Scott rose to the top and look forward to a new chapter for the foundation through his expanded leadership.”
Dols said Marquardt’s passion, experience, commitment to and demonstrated work on economic mobility and belonging will drive Southwest Initiative Foundation’s work forward. His role at SWIF has included business finance, entrepreneurship, child care, career pathways, Employer Resource Network®, and general economic development projects and initiatives, in addition to having roles with farmland management and as staff liaison to the board’s Investment Committee. Marquardt said he looks forward to leading the SWIF team in accomplishing the goals that have been set forth in all areas of the foundation’s work.
“I look forward to working with our visionary board, our amazing staff, and our wonderful stakeholders and partners to advance economic mobility, foster vibrant and welcoming communities and invest in a region where all people can prosper,” Marquardt said.
Prior to joining SWIF, Marquardt was the City of Montevideo’s Economic Development Director for nearly eight years. He has a background in public administration and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council.
SWIF’s leadership transition comes with the retirement of Diana Anderson on Jan. 31, 2023. Anderson has worked at the foundation 22 years, including the past seven as president/CEO. From fundraising and programming to operations and human relations, she has built relationships, strategy and infrastructure that make the foundation a trusted partner and regional leader. Her skill in making connections and an iterative learning approach has elevated the foundation’s unique position, bringing together its work in economic development, community impact and philanthropy for an even greater impact.
“It has been an honor to serve this organization and region, and I cherish the people I’ve met and all the good work done together these past two decades,” Anderson said. “I’m excited for Scott to lead this incredible team and organization forward. He is committed to the foundation’s mission, vision, and values, and as president, will work tirelessly to ensure southwest Minnesota is a place where all people thrive.”
A public, come-and-go retirement celebration honoring Diana Anderson will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 from 2-6 p.m. at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson. No RSVPs are required. Full details can be found at swifoundation.org.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $107 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.
