After a nationwide search and rigorous evaluation process, Placer County has selected Sherri Conway as its new director of economic development, effective Dec. 5.
Conway is currently serving as a supervising planner with the Placer County Community Development Resource Agency and brings over 25 years of experience in community and economic development. Since joining Placer County in 2014 she has been Placer's planning lead for development of the Sunset Area Plan – where planned university, technology and residential developments are expected to drive economic growth for decades.
As director of the Office of Economic Development, Conway's main role will be to provide vision and leadership in planning, growing and managing economic development programs and projects. She will also manage staff responsible for economic and business development, film production coordination, and workforce and job development efforts.
"Sherri is well versed in our plans and goals in the land development arena in Placer," said County Executive Officer David Boesch. "With her extensive experience in economic development, she's the perfect person to work with our business community and partners to capitalize on the incredible opportunities that are before us and ensure we achieve those goals going forward."
Conway has previously served as planning director for the City of Colfax, as well as planning director for the Village of Lake Placid, New York; an economy heavily based on tourism, similar to North Tahoe.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from the State University of New York, College at Plattsburgh, and a Master of Science degree in resource management and public administration from Antioch University in Ohio.
"With our Sunset Area Plan and plans for sustainable economic redevelopment in North Lake Tahoe, we are on the cusp of some incredible and transformative things for Placer County," Conway said. "I am truly honored and excited to be a part of them."