Board hears proposal for joint staffing partnership with Mills County EDF

Advance Southwest Iowa presented a proposed partnership with the Mills County Economic Development Foundation to hire a shared development manager who would serve as acting executive director for Mills County and as senior manager for rural Pottawatomie County.

Paula Hazelwood, introduced as chief executive officer of Southwest Iowa Corporation, said the position would be an employee of Advance (Omaha Chamber payroll) but act as a hybrid, territory‑covering manager. Hazelwood said Mills County's board and the Iowa West Foundation have approved or verbally committed support for the arrangement and that the foundations would help supplement first‑year costs.

A Mills County representative confirmed the county views the job‑share as financially sustainable and said the role would help advance the county’s certified mega site, Glenwood Resource Center redevelopment and corridor planning. Hazelwood asked the Pottawatomie County board for a "head nod" of support rather than a formal vote; several supervisors expressed support.

Hazelwood said financial obligations would remain separate and that Mills County would reimburse Advance monthly for its share of expenses. She said the counties would not intermingle budgets and that the arrangement is intended to increase regional coordination while protecting each county's fiscal independence.

The board did not take a formal vote on the partnership during the session but indicated general support; staff will continue coordination and keep supervisors updated on hiring and cost details.