Omaha, Neb., Nov. 16, 2015 – The Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council (CCNEDC) has appointed Trista Farrens as its next executive director. She will be responsible for the promotion of economic development activities in Cass County effective Nov. 16.
Farrens previous work in regional economic development includes leadership of Washington County’s Gateway Development Corp., where she increased revenues by 24 percent in less than two years. Prior to today’s CCNEDC appointment, Farrens served as project manager/selection coordinator with Malibu Homes.
CCNEDC President Jane McDaniel said, “Trista knows how to build relationships. She knows how to lead. She knows how to get things done. We look forward to seeing her channel her experience and skill set into job growth and new capital investment throughout Cass County.”
In her new position, Farrens will focus on retaining existing businesses, attracting new businesses, creating new jobs and expanding current business and industry in Cass County.
Randy Thelen, the Greater Omaha Chamber’s senior vice president of economic development, said, “Trista brings a regional understanding and a record of results to her new position. She is a strong addition to the Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council and the broader Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership.”
In addition to Malibu Homes and Gateway Development Corp., Farrens previously held positions with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development and with Accenture in Chicago, Illinois, where she served as a Finance & Performance Management Analyst.
Farrens has been a member of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association. She completed the Heartland Economic Development Course at the University of Northern Iowa and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in political science from the University of South Dakota.