Colorado Springs has a new leader for its economic development office. Shawna Lippert was named Monday as the next head of economic development for the city, selected by Mayor Yemi Mobolade to be promoted from economic development manager to lead officer of the department.
The economic development office is responsible for attracting new business growth and investment into Colorado Springs, as well as finding ways to support local businesses and help develop the city's workforce. In her prior role, Lippert worked with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC to help attract new businesses to the city, from small local companies to major additions to Peak Innovation Park.
Lippert came to city government in 2021 from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs' Office of Professional and Executive Development, and she and Mobolade had worked together in the city's Economic Development office around that time, when Mobolade was a small business development administrator before running for mayor. The mayor pointed to that shared history as part of his confidence in the selection. "She brings deep experience, proven leadership, and a genuine commitment to helping businesses and entrepreneurs succeed in Colorado Springs," Mobolade said in the announcement.
Lippert had previously served as the interim economic development officer before Jessie Kimber was hired for the position in January 2024, and she became the interim leader again after Kimber left the city in July. Her appointment to the permanent role marks the end of a period of transition for the office.
"I'm bringing the experience of working with all businesses of all sizes to fully understand what they need and what they're really asking of us as they look at Colorado Springs," Lippert said. One goal Lippert said she wanted to work on was ensuring Colorado Springs' infrastructure was ready to keep up with new businesses.
The economic development officer position appointment does not require approval from the Colorado Springs City Council. Lippert's start date in the new role and any additional priorities she plans to pursue in the position had not been announced as of the time of publication.