MARSHALL — She’ll still be working together with local businesses. But starting this spring, Lauren Deutz will be taking on a different role — one that she hopes will have a positive impact on the community.

The city of Marshall formally announced Thursday that Deutz will be the city’s next economic development director. She is currently the director of the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau. Deutz will start work in her new position on April 1.

“Although I enjoyed my position with the CVB, moving into economic development will allow me to make a greater impact on the Marshall community. I am very passionate about the city and want to help it grow and thrive, and the EDA will allow me to do just that,” Deutz said.

Deutz said she will be leaving the CVB to become EDA director. However, she said, “I anticipate a strong relationship to continue between the two organizations, as we have similar goals and both are working towards a better Marshall. I am thankful for the time I spent with the CVB and am especially grateful to my board, community partners and local businesses who allowed me to serve in this role.”

CVB Board chairman Kelly Loft said the CVB will be searching for a new director, after posting the job opening Thursday.

“We look forward to Lauren joining our team,” Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes said of Deutz’s hiring. “She is well regarded in our business community and will work to provide the resources to meet our local needs. This position is key for Marshall and the region.”

Deutz was selected in a hiring process that included business leaders, as well as a hiring committee made up of Mayor Byrnes, the Marshall city council, city staff and representatives of the EDA governing board.

“Their input and recommendations were extremely helpful, and we look forward to the work ahead,” Byrnes said.

“We had a pool of excellent individuals apply and feel very fortunate to be able to bring an individual of Lauren’s skills and character to the region and the EDA,” said EDA Board President Greg Bucher. “Lauren’s proven ability to develop relationships and marketing strategies will be extremely helpful in her economic development role.”

Deutz has served as director of Marshall’s Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2018. After previous CVB director Darin Rahm was convicted of stealing thousands of dollars from the organization, Deutz worked to rebuild the CVB’s relationships with the local business community.

Before serving as CVB director, she was a digital marketing strategist for Affiliated Community Medical Centers Health. Deutz has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations from Minnesota State University-Mankato, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Southwest Minnesota State University.

As EDA director, Deutz will report to the Marshall city administrator. She will also report monthly to the EDA Board and to various committees and boards, Thursday’s announcement said.

“I look forward to continuing my work with local businesses and stakeholders,” Deutz said. “I am also very appreciative of the strong support system the city has provided that will help me grow into this new role.”