Sarah Ebeling | Managing Editor
In July 2016, Jesse Fonkert stepped into his role as the Hartford Chamber and Economic Development Director. And on Friday, March 27, Fonkert will step down.
Fonkert, who has spent his time working for the city, explained that when you work in economic development, the only way to move up is to move out.
For him, Fonkert noted that his decision was less about leaving and more about growing.
“When the opportunity arises that allows you to stay in your community and serve it in a different capacity, you would be crazy not to pursue it,” said Fonkert.
“And while the decision is difficult, I feel that the leaders in Hartford are prepared or ready for the next chapter.”
Fonkert’s passion for Hartford is evident when he talks about the community that he plans to continue to live in with wife Kelsey. He noted that he will miss the people the most.
“For me it is more than a job, it has been like being part of a family,” he said.
Fonkert said he is most proud of the coalitions and partnerships that benefit the community and breaking down the silos he has worked on in his time as the Hartford Chamber and Economic Development Director. He said that those things wouldn’t have been possible without the strong leadership that Hartford has and the many volunteers that step up every day.
“I couldn’t have done what I have done without such amazing people,” said Fonkert.
Although he is leaving his Hartford job, Fonkert isn’t going far. He has been named Executive Director of the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations.
He noted that he is most excited for the opportunity to share what he has learned in Hartford with other communities in the region and help them grow the way they want to grow.
He said when he started thinking about the change back in January, it came down to where he could make the most impact. Once offered the job, Fonkert said he took a full week to decide his next step, talking to people in the community and mentors about his options, noting that no one gave him a solid answer, but told him he’d be good either way.
“I have so much respect for the boards and city council in Hartford that I have worked with for the past almost four years that it made the decision easier knowing the town is in good hands,” said Fonkert.