Even before Mysty Rusk emerged as the Coeur d'Alene Area Economic Development Corporation's choice for executive director, she had already decided on only one approach for the interview process.

"I put my heart on my sleeve and said the truth," she said.

Apparently, it worked.

After a nationwide search that drew roughly 50 applicants, narrowed to 16 screened candidates and about a half-dozen interviews, Rusk was selected to lead the organization formerly known as Jobs Plus. She officially stepped into the role this summer and will deliver her first annual report at CDAEDC's meeting Tuesday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

For Rusk, a self-described Colorado cowgirl, the move to North Idaho feels like a natural fit.

She and her husband relocated to Athol about four years ago. What she found surprised her. Rather than a rural economy dependent on a few traditional industries, Rusk discovered a region rich with innovation, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship and a robust health care sector.

"I am impressed," she said.

Since taking the helm, she has spent much of her time meeting with business leaders, listening to employers and learning about the region's challenges and opportunities. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that economic growth and conservation don't have to compete.

"Everybody's been kind and honest," she said. "We're in a good place."

Growing up on a cattle ranch in Colorado, Rusk learned early lessons about hard work, stewardship and the value of open space. Her family helped establish what she said was the first large conservation easement in Colorado, preserving ranchland from future development.

She also witnessed firsthand the growth pressures that transformed much of Colorado.

Those experiences shape her approach today.

"There's got to be a way you can be pro-economic development, pro-environment, and pro-protection of agriculture and open space," she said.

That balancing act is central to her vision for North Idaho.

"We want to control growth and do it softly in a balanced and respectful way," Rusk said. "That respects what's been done so far and plans for a future where our kids can afford to live here, raise a family here and retire here."

CDAEDC's work focuses on business attraction, retention, expansion and startup support. While attracting new employers remains important, Rusk said helping existing businesses succeed is equally critical.

She wants to know what local companies need, whether that's connecting them to resources, expanding sales opportunities or bringing suppliers closer to home.

"Working every day to keep employers finding new customers," she said.

When recruiting new businesses, Rusk said quality matters more than quantity.

"Let's make sure we're not trying to attract businesses that are going to compromise the people who live here," she said. "We don't want to attract businesses where, as a community, we have to subsidize their living because they're not paying enough to afford a mortgage or health insurance."

While she acknowledges she is still learning about North Idaho's economy, Rusk sees that as a strength, not a weakness.

"I don't always know the answer," she said. "I'm very comfortable being the dumbest person in the room."

She makes up for it with her work ethic.

"I will outwork anybody. I'm a hard, hard worker," she said.

Rusk laughed, then added another skill she values.

"I'm very good at hanging out with smart people."

For now, that means listening, learning and working alongside the small CDAEDC staff and local partners to shape the region's economic future.

"We're so intertwined across state lines and county lines," she said. "We have to think about an area that is bigger than just us."

And after only a few years in North Idaho, Rusk already feels at home.

"It just felt like family here," she said. "Everywhere has been great."