Kersten Swinyard Appointed as Salt Lake County Economic Development Director
Salt Lake County, UT—Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson has appointed Kersten Swinyard as the Economic Development director for the Salt Lake County Office of Regional Development. Swinyard brings a proven record of leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing regional economic growth.
Swinyard steps into this role after three years in Salt Lake County's Economic Development division. As senior economic development manager, she evaluated development finance project proposals for alignment with policy goals, financing gaps, and real estate market integration. She managed performance tracking for over 80 active Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects and promoted policy and legislative advancements to strengthen the County's role in these place-based investments. She also oversaw an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded assessment grant and two revolving loan funds to support brownfields property remediation, bringing more than five million dollars in additional EPA funding to the County.
"Kersten's ability to navigate the complexities of both local and regional economic priorities is truly remarkable," said Mayor Wilson. "Her strategic vision and collaborative spirit make her the perfect leader to align Salt Lake County's efforts with broader regional goals, ensuring economic growth that strengthens all of our communities."
The Salt Lake County Economic Development division serves as a collaborative platform to support local and regional initiatives without duplicating city or state services. The division addresses regional challenges and fosters sustainable economic growth by leveraging the County's scale and filling critical gaps.
A Salt Lake County native, Swinyard holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and a master's degree from New York University. Her appointment reflects her strategic mindset, deep expertise in regional economic trends, and unwavering commitment to partnerships that enhance prosperity for Salt Lake County and its residents.