WNDD Announces New Executive Director!

Christine Brandon Selected to Lead Organization

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) announced that after a national search, the Board has selected Christine Brandon as the organization’s new Executive Director. Brandon, a long time Carson City resident, was appointed to her new role on May 24, 2022.

“Brandon’s credentials, experience and personality make her an excellent leader for WNDD. We are confident she will bring great energy, innovation and strategic direction as WNDD continues to assist our region in creating vibrant, resilient and sustainable economies,” said Naomi Duerr, President of the Board.

Brandon has unique and varied experience in the areas of: economic development, engineering, project and program management, and leadership of non-profit organizations. In her previous position as instructor at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, she developed youth programming and managed grant funding. Prior to the university, she was acting Executive Director of a local non-profit. Notably, she served as Board Member on the City of Arlington’s Industrial Development Board. Here she was responsible for encouraging and attracting industrial development, and collaborated with various organizations to entice new businesses through tax incentives, special permitting and government lease programs.

Brandon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. After obtaining her degree, she worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers where she presided over the environmental cleanup of hazard waste sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Defense.

She hopes to draw on her extensive experience to support programming focused on improving much needed infrastructure, attracting new businesses and promoting economic resilience and vitality.

Brandon had this to say about her new role, “As the new Executive Director of WNDD, my goal is to bring my diverse background to help the Board of WNDD solve regional infrastructure and economic resiliency issues through creative approaches. I am very excited to serve the members of the Board and communities in Western Nevada and look forward to supporting positive change.”

Sheryl Gonzales, retiring WNDD Executive Director stated, “We are excited to welcome Christine Brandon as our incoming Executive Director and know she will do an outstanding job in her new position.”