Wyoming opens search for interim Business Council chief
By Staff Writer · Published 10/21/2026, 6:14:56 PM ET
The state economic-development agency is accepting applications for a temporary leader as it prepares for a permanent search and a change of governor.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Business Council opened a search for an interim chief executive on October 21, seeking a temporary leader after Josh Dorrell’s departure. Its board expects the appointment to last roughly nine to 12 months while it prepares to recruit a permanent CEO.
Applications are being considered as they arrive, and the board says the search will remain open until it fills the position. The announcement sets a goal of appointing someone promptly but gives no firm selection date.
The council places the search against two pending changes: a new gubernatorial administration in January 2027 and legislative consideration of possible changes to the agency’s programs, governing structure and statutes. The release describes those potential legislative changes as still under consideration.
The interim executive would answer to the board and coordinate with agency employees, the outgoing and incoming administrations, legislators and partners around the state. The assignment includes keeping the agency operating, supporting its staff and preparing the board for the permanent recruitment process.
Board co-chair Derek Smith said the priority is maintaining dependable leadership through the transition. The council describes a temporary executive who can prepare options for state leaders while leaving final decisions about the agency’s direction to the next governor and the board.
The board is looking for someone who has led economic-development work at a senior level, managed organizational change and worked effectively with elected officials and business and community leaders. Experience in more than one state or territory would be an advantage, according to the announcement.
The job is based in Cheyenne, although the council says some flexibility in working arrangements is possible. It also involves regular travel within Wyoming. The release does not specify compensation or a date for the interim executive to begin work.
Applicants are asked to provide a cover letter, a résumé and three professional references using the contact information in the council’s original announcement. Operations Director Chava Case is the listed contact for questions, at 307-777-2823.
What it means
The proposed interim role would provide leadership while the permanent search is being prepared and the agency’s longer-term direction remains unsettled. The release announces a leadership search and gives no new terms for the council’s grants or loans.
The board’s next stated step is reviewing applications. The timing of an appointment and the agency’s eventual structure remain open questions, and the projected nine-to-12-month tenure is an expectation rather than a confirmed end date.
Source
This State & Nation summary is based on Wyoming Business Council’s original release, dated 2026-10-21. The reporting and statistics above are attributed to that publication.