Astra Ferris, who became chief executive officer of the Growth Alliance in September, introduced the current staff.

Jefferson Fosbender has been named economic development director to replace Kelly Halsted.

Emily Ayres was hired as the administrative assistant.

Skyla Porter, who was the organizational administrator, was named marketing specialist.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
Fort Dodge Greater Growth Alliance members, from left, are Jefferson Fosbender, Jill Nelson, Skyla Porter, Astra Ferris, Emily Ayres and Deena McCaulley.

Deena McCaulley, who was the office manager, has been named operations coordinator.

Jill Nelson remains as community development director.

Jefferson Fosbender

He served as economic development director for the Ackley Development Commission from May 2014 to July 2017.

He then moved into higher education, serving as a senior admissions counselor at Concordia University Chicago and most recently as an academic assistant at Iowa Central Community College.

“Economic development sort of called me back in a weird sort of roundabout way,” he said.

Upon applying for the position, he said the team, culture and energy of the Growth Alliance “made it to where it was a no-brainer.”

He said he found himself thinking, “Oh, I have to do this.”

Economic development work, he said, is “a brand new challenge almost every single day.”

He said the Growth Alliance has a pipeline of about 12 projects representing millions of dollars in potential new development.

Fosbender is a graduate of St. Edmond High School. He earned an associate degree from Iowa Central Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Emily Ayres

In addition to the typical administrative assistant duties, she will work with the Young Professionals group.

She is a native of Spirit Lake who graduated from Spirit Lake High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota, in Vermillion, South Dakota.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people,” she said.

New Roles

In her new role, Porter will be the lead person communicating the message of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. Her work will include marketing, promotion and media relations. She will also manage the annual events conducted by the alliance.

McCaulley will continue her bookkeeping responsibilities, but will also oversee policies and processes.