Naturita, CO, December 21, 2022 –

After 5 years of dedication to the West End, Deana Sheriff leaves West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) for another amazing opportunity.

Starting in April of 2017, Sheriff was employed to assist with the West End’s transition away from coal. During her tenure, Sheriff spearheaded many projects and programs to jumpstart the transition away from coal. Sheriff has been recognized at the state and national levels for her efforts in establishing easily replicable community programs, including establishing a HUBZone, creating easy to use applications for Just Transition programs, and a roadmap to diversify a small rural community with just a few pathways, and so much more.

Sheriff said of her resignation, “it was a very difficult decision to move on, but occasionally an opportunity comes up that you have to pursue. I know that I’m leaving WEEDC in good hands. The West End is headed in the right direction, and I know the Board and Makayla will keep working to make the West End even better in the future.”

WEEDC’s Board of Directors would like to express their great appreciation for Sheriff’s strong dedication to the organization and the West End Community. Without Sheriff and her efforts, our community would not be where it is today. Sheriff brought her knowledge and experience to a community that was desperate not to die. Sheriff helped WEEDC accomplish that goal to create the West End as a great place to live, work, and play.

WEEDC was started in 2013 by a group of community leaders who wanted to ensure the transition away from coal was a smooth one. The Purpose of the West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) is to create and encourage an inviting, pro-business environment, integrated with our independent spirit and friendly culture, while capitalizing on our natural and historic resources.

Following Sheriff’s departure in December, the Board of Director’s named Makayla Gordon as Interim Executive Director. Gordon obtained a BS in Business Administration from the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado. Gordon has been with WEEDC for two years now as the Business & Community Development Manager. Gordon came to WEEDC with experience in running various sizes of retail stores in multiple states. Gordon will continue her previous work as the Business & Community Development Manager as well as the responsibilities of the Executive Director.

Contact Information:

Makayla Gordon

Executive Director

mgordon@choosewestend.org