Rural Economic Development Officer

Rural Economic Development Officer to Focus on Rural Communities
Posted on 11/04/2016
Kim Thompson has been selected to support rural economic development efforts as an analyst in Lane County’s Community and Economic Development Office.

“I am excited to have Kim on board,” said Economic Development Manager Sarah Means. “Our rural communities are incredibly diverse, from coastal communities to mountain towns and everything in between, and the opportunity to provide dedicated support for their efforts is something we have been working toward for some time.”

Thompson will be responsible for fulfilling the vision of the County’s Rural Prosperity Initiative, which was created to partner with rural communities to support their unique needs and efforts to create vibrant economies throughout rural Lane County.

“Our county is so spread out and we have so many different geographies and industries, it can be difficult to know what every community needs,” said Thompson. “It’s important to have someone coordinating the effort and ensuring every voice is heard. My intent is to be a strong advocate and helpful liaison between our local communities and the County.”

Thompson graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Business Administration. Prior to joining Lane County, she most recently served as a workforce analyst with the Oregon Employment Department for five years, focusing on Lane County. Thompson also has extensive experience implementing economic development programs and strategies. She currently serves on the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors, Eugene Chamber Economic Development Committee, Willamalane Parks Foundation, Springfield Library Board, and is a member of the Florence Chamber of Commerce.