Emily Perry

Why YCDC?

Emily, a lifelong resident of York County, has always felt a deep connection to her community. After earning her degree in Human Relations from Doane University, she briefly moved to Lincoln but soon realized how much she missed the strong sense of community and family-friendly environment in York. This led her to return home, where she found that YCDC's mission "to promote and encourage quality economic growth in York County, Nebraska" aligned perfectly with her own passion for fostering opportunities within the county. Emily is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in York County has access to quality job opportunities, childcare, and safe housing. Through her role at YCDC, she thrives on connecting talent, businesses, and resources to create a stronger, more vibrant community.

Commitment to York County

Investing in York County isn’t just a job for Emily—it’s what she loves to do.  Emily’s passion for York County extends far beyond her professional role. She actively serves as a board member for the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council, secretary for York County Kids, and a participant in the York County Community Coalition’s Youth, Children & Families and Basic Needs committees. She also contributes her expertise to the JAG Advisory Board and the steering committee for the Youth Advisory Initiative. Additionally, Emily is a dedicated member of York Optimist, Southeast Nebraska Manufacturing Partners, Nebraska Economic Development Association, and the Nebraska Talent Group, continuously working to support the county’s economic and community development efforts.

Professional Experience

Emily has built a career centered on strengthening communities by supporting businesses and nonprofits. Before joining YCDC, she served as a program director for a nonprofit and as the marketing coordinator for the York Chamber of Commerce. These experiences have shaped her deep understanding of what it takes for small businesses and nonprofits to succeed. She is passionate about helping them grow by providing the right resources, connections, and opportunities.

Emily has also completed multiple leadership programs, including YCDC’s 17-County Leadership, Leadership York, and the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy, and is a graduate from Heartland Economic Development Course. Her expertise in workforce development, housing, and childcare expansion fuels her mission to help York County not only grow—but thrive.