SWEDA names Ohlgren

The Southeast Washington Economic Development Association announced the appointment of Robin Ohlgren to the position of Whitman County managing director beginning Oct. 14.

Ohlgren takes the position vacated when SEWEDA in July “let go” Jessika Satori who had been with the agency since June 1.

Executive director Marshall Doak declined to elaborate on what he called a personnel issue other than to say Satori had been hired under a six-month probation agreement.

Ohlgren comes to SEWEDA with extensive experience as Assistant Executive Director of the Latah Economic Council, where she was involved with the delivery of economic development services throughout Latah County.

“I heartily welcome Ms. Ohlgren to SEWEDA and look forward to working with her in this capacity,” said SEWEDA board president Francis Benjamin.

Ohlgren is co-chair of the Palouse Knowledge Corridor, an economic development think tank promoting the assets of Whitman and Latah counties. She serves on the boards of BackYard Harvest, the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition and is chairman of the Moscow Arts Commission.

SEWEDA is the economic recruiting agency set up to serve Whitman, Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties and is funded by the four counties. The agency also coordinates transportation planning for the four counties. Commissioner Dean Kinzer represents Whitman County on the board.