Kalispell hires community and economic development administrator

Kalispell has hired Lindsey Simpson as a new administrator in the city’s Community and Economic Development Department.

Simpson started work on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Her job is to implement and administer the department’s various grant programs and revolving loan fund programs and provide support for the city’s advisory Urban Renewal Agency and department manager Katharine Thompson.

Community and Economic Development Department staffing had been reduced to one position — Thompson’s — through attrition for much of the last year.

“We are very excited to have her on board,” Thompson said of Simpson’s hire. “By adding Lindsey, it really helps us to serve the community’s needs from the community development department.”

Simpson has a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Stephen F. Austin State University and has spent the last six years working as executive director of a not-for-profit organization in Longview, Texas.

“She has experience working with communities and grants and we think those skills and abilities will suit her well and add to what we offer here,” Thompson said.