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. Scott has led SWIF’s economic development work for more than 15 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President.
Please join us in congratulating Scott!
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,” Patti 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.”
Scott’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,” Scott 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.
We look forward to welcoming Scott to this role and sharing more in the months ahead!
Honoring 22 Years of Service
Southwest Initiative Foundation’s leadership transition comes with the retirement of Diana Anderson Jan. 31, 2023. Diana has worked at the foundation 22 years, including the past seven as president/CEO.
From fundraising and programming to operations and human relations, Diana 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, social growth 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,” Diana 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.”
Join us for a retirement celebration Jan. 19 from 2-6 p.m. at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson. See details for Diana’s retirement celebration