Lindsey Graham, who has worked as the Jefferson Local Development Corporation child care coordinator for the past year, is now the agency’s executive director.
“I’m excited to be involved in this capacity,” Graham told The Monitor. “I’m not really good at sitting back and just watching.”
Graham applied for the position following previous Executive Director Eric Seidensticker’s resignation in December of 2022. It was bittersweet, she said, as working with Seidentsticker was enjoyable.
“I could go on for days about what I’ve learned from [Seidensticker],” she said. “He’s been a wealth of information in just the grant world alone. He was a great leader and really boosted his employees’ confidence. He pushed us to do our best. As the new executive director I want to keep that momentum going.”
JLDC President Nick Hensleigh said he believes Graham will continue to keep the ball rolling, as he considers her a “good fit” and a “dynamic and versatile employee.”
During her time as child care coordinator, Graham organized two childcare centers – among other economic development projects – in Jefferson County: one in Boulder, and the other in Whitehall, Hensleigh said in a Feb. 24 news release.
JLDC Vice President Drew Dawson also shared his enthusiasm for Graham’s new role, as he’s worked closely with her as part of Southwest Montana Youth Partners Inc, an organization instrumental in bringing a childcare facility to Boulder.
“I know she is a hard worker and works effectively with a board of directors,” Dawson said in a news release. “Promoting from within the organization and from Jefferson County is particularly exciting.”
Taking on the role and working with the JLDC board and employees to carry on its mission to “promote the general welfare of Jefferson County through the promotion of economic development,” is an honor, Graham said.
As the JLDC brings economic development and growth to Jefferson County, Graham said she will work to maintain the security and history of the county.
She also feels fortunate to work with the Jefferson County leaders, as the county commissioners have expressed much support for JLDC projects. Graham said she hopes this support continues as more projects come together.
It will take a little while to get acclimated to the role, Graham said, but it’s not too early to identify priorities, which will remain largely workforce and childcare. She’ll also be busy working as landlord for the Western Legacy Center, as JLDC recently purchased the Roberts Building in Whitehall that hosts the organization. Graham will also prioritize the Sunlight Business Park in Whitehall, a collaboration between Jefferson County, the JLDC and Barrick’s Golden Sunlight Mine.
The JLDC plans to create a job posting for Graham’s previous role as the agency’s childcare coordinator, she said, and work already being done in Jefferson County for this aspect will continue, including the opening of Boulder’s childcare facility later this month.
“The kind of support this county has for growth and for the community is so nice to see,” she said. “I’m excited to see the possibilities.”
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