Burch joins FVCC staff

Susan Burch has joined Flathead Valley Community College as director of economic development and continuing education.

Burch was the program manager for the Northwest Montana Business Expansion and Retention Program.

She also served on the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for six years with a term as chairman of the board for a year.

In her new position, Burch leads the college's continuing education office. The job includes developing and expanding partnerships with business, service and government organizations.

Burch also will work with public schools and community groups.

She will serve as the college-wide representative for assessing work-force development needs to support economic development activities.

College President Jane Karas said Burch would bring new opportunities to the community.

"We feel strongly that with Susie's experience as an entrepreneur, along with her involvement in work-force development and in the area of K-12 school districts, she will be a wonderful asset to the college and the region," Karas said.

Burch's other community roles include committee chairman for Flathead on the Move and board member of United Way.

She also is a member of the National Parks Conservation Association Regional Committee and the Flathead Business and Education Council.