Interim Chief Executive Officer - Wyoming Business Council

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC), established in 1998 as the state's economic development agency, is seeking an experienced interim CEO to provide steady leadership during a consequential transition period. With a new gubernatorial administration arriving in January 2027 and potential legislative changes to WBC's statutes and governance, this appointment is designed to maintain operational continuity, preserve staff confidence, and lay the groundwork for the organisation's next era.

Reporting to the WBC Board of Directors, the interim CEO will work collaboratively with outgoing and incoming administrations, legislative leaders, and statewide partners. Key deliverables include a regional planning framework, a synthesis of prior economic development research into a strategy foundation, proposed performance indicators, and a complete permanent CEO search plan. The scope of work will be agreed upon with the Board and adjusted as governance and legislative decisions evolve.

• Maintain operational stability, sound financial controls, and clear priorities across WBC's day-to-day work while keeping the Board informed of near-term risks.
• Strengthen relationships with legislators, state and local officials, business leaders, and economic development partners, and establish a clear stakeholder engagement approach.
• Lead the permanent CEO search process, including selecting a national search firm, developing a leadership profile, and organising a thorough handoff.
• Design a durable regional planning structure drawing on relevant state and regional practice, including the Brookings state-regional playbook.
• Synthesise findings from ENDOW, the Harvard Growth Lab, CEDS work, and current WBC initiatives into a concise strategic framework for the Board and state leaders.
• Support legislative consideration of changes affecting WBC by providing timely analysis, clarifying fiscal and operational implications, and preparing the organisation to implement enacted changes.

• Senior executive experience leading an economic development organisation, regional development effort, or business growth programme at state or regional level.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective operations and guide an organisation through significant transition, governance change, or leadership succession.
• Experience across multiple states or territories is strongly preferred.
• Credibility working with governors, legislators, senior public administrators, private-sector executives, and community partners.
• Skill in building trust, listening across differing viewpoints, and facilitating constructive dialogue among stakeholders with competing interests.

The Wyoming Business Council is Wyoming's state economic development agency, created in 1998 to support business success, build resilient communities, and expand opportunity across the state. Headquartered in Cheyenne, WBC works with communities, businesses, economic development organisations, and public and private partners throughout Wyoming.