Anna Nelson hired as Williston Economic Development’s executive director

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The City of Williston named Anna Nelson as the City Economic Development Department’s executive director.

Nelson has been the President of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce since 2022 and will take over the role, which has been vacant for a year and a half.

City Administrator Shawn Wenko said Nelson was picked from four finalists, adding that she went “above and beyond” their expectations.

“I’m privileged to be able to take over an office that has been so well run, and I’m ready to take it into the future,” said Nelson.

Nelson said her priorities include supporting the development of both Williston Square and other large value-adding projects in Williams County, like the Cerilon GTL plant, and improving workforce and quality of life in the area.

“We want to make sure this is a place where people can establish their businesses, they can find their workforce they need, and they can have a wonderful quality of life doing it,” said Nelson.

Nelson begins her new role on Sept. 9. She said she will work with the chamber to transition as it looks for a new president.

Nelson’s starting salary is $125,000 with an increase following the completion of a six-month review.

Nelson previously anchored at KFYR-TV and KUMV-TV.