RAEDI taps Albert Lea's Nolander as its next president

The board of directors for Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. has named Ryan Nolander as the organization's next president.

Nolander will replace longtime president Gary Smith, who is set to retire this spring after 29 years with the organization. 

Nolander comes to Rochester from Albert Lea, where he has served as the executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency since 2013. He first joined the organization in 2005 as the assistant director.

"I am honored to have been chosen as the next President of RAEDI. Current President Gary Smith, and the past and present board members and staff, have done a wonderful job leading and growing the organization into what it is today," Nolander said in a news release sent out Tuesday. "I look forward to building on the foundation they have created, and growing not only the organization, but the Rochester area through new and innovative partnerships and programs," said Nolander."

Nolander will begin his position on June 4. Smith, the longtime president of RAEDI, was recognized at the organization's annual luncheon in March.

“I am fortunate to have been part RAEDI’s efforts throughout the years,” Smith said last month. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with so many amazing people from the different industries and across the region.”

Cover photo: Nolander