Montana West Economic Development is looking for a new leader.

Kellie Danielson, chief executive officer and president of Montana West, will leave her position in August to return to her home state of Arkansas to be closer to family.

“It’s definitely been a really difficult decision,” Danielson said Thursday. “I love my job, the people I work with, the projects we have going on and the great businesses.”

Danielson has been at the helm of the economic development agency since July 2009.

Danielson said the initial goal was increasing the value of what Montana West delivers to the business community in Northwest Montana.

“We’ve utilized resources that are available to businesses to a greater extent then ever before,” Danielson said.

In recent years, Montana West has connected businesses with resources and financial support from sources such as the Big Sky Trust Fund, Community Block Development grants, federal and state economic development associations and a recent $10 million federal transportation grant that is expected to be the catalyst toward a more developed and pedestrian-friendly Kalispell downtown.

Katharine Thompson, Community Development manager at the city of Kalispell, said she was hired by a committee that included Danielson. Thompson said she spent some time in recent days reflecting on her relationship with Danielson — and Danielson’s relationship with the city.

“I think about the influence that Kellie has had here, and it’s been such a positive and a gift to this community,” Thompson said. “She brought a great perspective in economic development and expertise in that field.”

The search for a new chief executive officer and president is already underway. According to a press release from Montana West, applications are due by 5 p.m. on June 2.

Danielson said Montana West will advertise the position nationally, statewide and locally.

In her remaining three months, Danielson has a handful of goals in mind, including extending the lease with Teletech and maintaining a healthy relationship between the two organizations during the leadership transition at Montana West.

Danielson said Montana West also is crafting an updated strategic plan.

“We’re in the process of finalizing our strategic plan,” Danielson said. “We’ll have that final review in a month so we can all understand what the tactics and action items are from that review.”

Danielson said the organization tweaks the plan every six months or so, making adjustments according to new priorities such as Kalispell’s Core and Rail Redevelopment project fueled by the $10 million federal grant.

Priorities change with new trends in the economy, she said.

Danielson said she’s proud of the work completed by businesses and clients with which Montana West has become involved.

“We advise them, but because of their commitment and dedication to their businesses, it’s been really enjoyable to watch these companies grow and sustain themselves,” she said.

Danielson said she might seek out an economic development role in Arkansas, but plans for her next venture are currently open. She said she’s got a strong network of friends, family and business owners in Arkansas, but for now she’s looking forward to completing objectives at hand with the staff at Montana West.

“We have a great staff in place at Montana West Economic Development,” she said. “I have so enjoyed working with them and they are so dedicated. I’ll miss the camaraderie here and I just hope when I do transition and find what my next employment might be, that I work with people as hard-working and dedicated as the people that are here right now.”

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].