Northern Nevada Development Authority announced Aug. 18 the selection of Philip “Phil” Cowee as the organization’s new executive director.
Cowee replaces Rob Hooper who recently retired after leading NNDA for 12 years. A businessman and sixth-generation Nevadan, Cowee has over 20 years of experience developing properties and running businesses in Lyon County, according to an Aug. 18 press release. “It is a great honor to have been selected to serve the communities of Nevada’s Sierra Region,” Cowee said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the work Rob started to recruit new business to the region, while nurturing current companies to expand into a thriving economy. “We are fortunate to have an array of community partners dedicated to developing a workforce to fill the demand of these prospering businesses.” Most recently, he was the State Director of USDA Rural Development in Nevada. Prior to that, Cowee entitled and developed commercial and industrial projects and led the Lyon County School District as Finance Director from 2012-2016. Recently, he was elected to the LCSD Board and currently serves as Board Clerk. Cowee is also a member of the school district’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Committee that coordinates and collaborates with the Nevada Department of Education CTE Program. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration-Accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno. “The NNDA Executive Board looks forward to working with Mr. Cowee as Nevada and our Sierra Region navigate economic recovery from the pandemic,” Greg Dye, chair of the NNDA Executive Board, said in a statement. “Workforce development and obtainable workforce housing are priorities locally and statewide. Phil’s experience in both areas can help NNDA address the needs of Sierra Region employers and residents.”
