Submitted by City of Olympia
Olympia City Manager Steve Hall today announced the selection of Renée Sunde for the new position of Economic Development Director. For the past ten years, Sunde has been a key member of the Thurston Economic Development Council’s team – currently as Deputy Director, and previously as Business Development Manager and Marketing Director. She is expected to start her new position with Olympia about July 1.
“We are extremely pleased that Renée Sunde is joining the City team,” says Hall. “For the first time, Olympia will have an experienced, well respected Economic Development Director on board to help us retain existing businesses and strategically build our local economy.”
One of the Olympia City Council’s top priorities is building a sustainable budget. This year, Council authorized Hall to hire Olympia’s first Economic Development Director to help achieve that goal by working to retain and grow the City’s economic base. “We conducted a nationwide search and found the ideal candidate right here in our back yard,” says Hall. “Everyone I consulted during the candidate search praised Sunde for her knowledge, professionalism and community commitment.”
“I am excited about this opportunity,” says Sunde. “During my time with the EDC, I have worked to build strong relationships with both small and corporate employers throughout Thurston County. It is through effective community partnerships that we are able to build a vibrant community. I look forward to continuing that work and helping Olympia successfully meet its community development goals.”
