Winn-Worth Betco (Winnebago-Worth Counties Betterment Council) is announcing the organization’s executive director, Teresa Nicholson, has accepted the position of vice president with Good Steward Consulting of Albert Lea. Good Steward Consulting provides public relations and business consulting services. The business is focused on the renewable energy industry with projects in five Midwest states, according to a press release. Nicholson will begin her new role in June.

“Teresa’s successful track record in her role as executive director makes her the ideal candidate for the vice president role,” said Mariah Lynne, president of Good Steward Consulting in the release. “Having been on the development side of several wind energy projects, Teresa is experienced and well-versed in the art of communication and public education. She will be an integral part of delivering excellent customer service for our wind and solar energy clients.”

Nicholson began work for Winn-Worth Betco in February 2001 and has spent 17 years with the organization, first serving as the assistant director, and then was named the executive director in July  2003. She has worked with a multitude of new business developments across Winnebago and Worth counties, existing business expansions, housing rehabilitation and new housing developments, a variety of community development projects, infrastructure development projects, tourism development and promotion for the two-county area, grant writing and a variety of other responsibilities.

A few of the major projects during Nicholson’s tenure include: Diamond Jo Casino, Holiday Inn Express, Kum & Go (all at the casino interchange in Worth County), Manly Terminal LLC, POET Biorefining-Hanlontown, All States Ag Parts expansion to Lake Mills, Winnebago Industries expansion to Lake Mills, New Heaven Chemical at Manly and multiple wind farms in both counties.

During Nicholson’s time with Winn-Worth Betco, there has been over $1 billion in new investment in the two-county area and over 750 new jobs created.

“I am extremely proud of these accomplishments and feel there is a strong foundation on which Winn-Worth Betco will continue to grow this two-county region. We have great leadership, committed partners and staff ready to continue the tradition of success into the future,” Nicholson said. “Being born and raised in Winnebago County, I have deep roots here, and I am looking forward to the opportunity with Good Steward Consulting as it will also allow me to continue to work in and grow the region I love and call home.”

Nicholson is a graduate of Lake Mills Community School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Waldorf University in Forest City.

Marketing director, Melissa Michaelis, will serve as interim director of the economic development agency effective June 11. Michaelis has been with the organization since January 2014 and has handled all aspects of marketing as well as being the assistant to the executive director. She is also a Lake Mills Community School graduate, a Minnesota State University graduate with a bachelor of fine arts degree, and has worked in various marketing and design positions throughout her career, as well as having extensive photography experience and owns her own business.

“I am excited for the opportunity for both Teresa and myself,” Michaelis said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the people, businesses, communities, and counties that I grew up in.”

“We are very appreciative of the work Teresa has provided for our area over the last 17 years. She has left her mark fostering relationships, driving thousands of miles, submitting grants, and meeting with countless potential companies to make her home of North Iowa a vibrant community with many opportunities,” stated Terry Durby, Winnebago County supervisor.

Winn-Worth Betco serves the residents, businesses, communities, and two counties since 1992. The mission of the organization is to serve the economic development interests in housing, tourism, community development, and business recruitment and retainment for Winnebago and Worth counties in Iowa