Meet Our Team
![Lona Headshot[2538]](https://www.ficoedc.com/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Lona-Headshot2538-square.jpg "Lona Headshot[2538]")
Lona DuVall
President & CEO
Lona began work at Finney County Economic Development Corporation in 2010 as the Director of Business Retention and has been the President/ CEO since 2011.
Lona holds a degree in Public Administration and is committed to ensuring the economic strength and vitality of western Kansas into the future.
Shannon Dick
Director of Analytics
Shannon joined Finney County Economic Development Corporation in 2016 as a Strategic Analyst.
Shannon holds a master’s degree in Statistical Analysis and provides strategic analysis for FCEDC as well as contracting services to our partner organizations and other non-profits throughout the community and region.
Steve Cottrell
Special Projects Director
Steve retired in 2018, after 29 years with the City of Garden City. Steve joined Finney County Economic Development Corporation as Special Projects Director in 2020. Steve works on all aspects of economic development, assisting developers with concept plans and advice on funding strategies. Steve is from Nebraska and has a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska.
Scott Aust
Director of Communications
Scott joined FCEDC in 2017 as the Director of Communications and recently returned to his position in 2021.
Scott holds a degree in Journalism and lends his vast reporting skills to the creation of stories and promotions that celebrate Finney County, Garden City, Holcomb and the Greater Garden City area with the Greater Garden City website and Facebook page.
Grant Linenberger
Business Development & Workforce Director
Grant joined FCEDC in 2023 as the Business Development & Workforce Director. Grant attended Fort Hays State University and studied telecommunications, human resources and tourism & hospitality. He has experience in small business and retail and holds awards in sales. Grant aids entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area, providing resources at any stage of business planning.
FCEDC Board of Directors
Stewart Nelson, Board Chairman, Finney County Representative
Sam Hands, Vice-Chairman, Finney County Representative
Vicki Germann, Treasurer, Finney County Representative
Janet Doll, City of Garden City Representative
David Rupp, GCCC Representative
Ron Schreibvogel, Holcomb Representative
Lance Rupp, City of Garden City Representative
>>>The FCEDC Board of Directors meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:30 am at the City of Garden City Administrative Building.
Mission Statement
The Finney County Economic Development Corporation was created for and is committed to the continual improvement of the economic quality of life in the Finney County area.
–Lona DuVall, President
Our Goals
Promote, aid, develop, and advance new business and industry in Finney County, providing skilled, high-wage primary jobs for the welfare of the community.
Assist existing primary business and industry with growth and expansion plans through a proactive business retention program
Create a business environment conducive to entrepreneurship by providing financial support and technical assistance to primary businesses in collaboration with partner agencies.
Workforce Initiatives
The Finney County Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with local community organizations, is working to create a community-wide campaign to recruit, enhance, and retain a sustainable workforce in the Finney County region. This initiative is known as the Finney County Workforce Connection.
For more information, please visit the Finney County Workforce Connection Facebook page.