Alum Profile: Sarah Swedburg

November 3, 2023

sarahswedburgEnthusiastic geographer with over five years of experience in community and economic development. Skilled in project management, technical writing and reporting, authentic community engagement, and creative problem solving. Passionately seeks results through collaboration of stakeholders and utilization of existing assets to enhance quality of life in Greater Minnesota.

Education

2013 – 2017 | Bemidji State University
Geography, B.S. (Dual Degree)

Urban/Regional Planning & Geographic Information Science

Computer Science, Minor GPA: 3.94, Summa Cum Laude

2020-2021 | Creative Community Leadership Institute

Impact

My education through the Geography Department at Bemidji State University played a key role in preparing me for a fruitful start to my career. The Geography Department equipped me with technical skills, like cartography and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), but also with a unique lens for sustainability and understanding how people make “place out of space.” Being able to apply this knowledge in rural Kenya, experiencing the intersection of post-colonial land rights, sustainability, and spiritual geographies, has proven to be a critical background to my work: navigating sensitive organizational changes, supporting the continued growth of diverse Greater Minnesota communities, etc. Most recently, I was awarded the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber “Emerging Young Leader” Award. Receiving this education in a rural place with a rural lens catapulted me into work that I love.

Experience

May 2021 – Present| Business Development Manager
Kandiyohi County & City of WillmarEconomic Development Commission

  • Lead staff for Agriculture and BroadbandCommittees
  • Seeks opportunity for business retentionand expansion
  • Coordination and management of ElevateCommunity Business Academy
  • Assists local entrepreneurs through one-on-one coaching

Jan 2018 – April 2021| Planner

City of Willmar, MN

  • Management of land use applications andshort- and long-term planning efforts
  • Lead staff for Planning Commission andBoard of Zoning Appeals
  • Redevelopment, coordination, andmanagement of Willmar Main Street
  • Interim Planning and DevelopmentDepartment Director

Contact