YCDC Is Pleased to Welcome Grace Staehr as our New Economic Development Coordinator

York County Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Grace Staehr as our new Economic Development Coordinator.

At YCDC, our work is ultimately about people — the people who choose to build careers here, raise families here, invest here, and believe in the future of York County. That’s why we’re especially excited to add Grace to our team.

Grace brings a strong background in marketing, communications, and community engagement, along with a creative eye for storytelling and a genuine passion for connecting people to opportunity. In her role as Economic Development Coordinator, Grace will support YCDC’s work across multiple focus areas, including community and talent-attraction events, partnerships with schools and education leaders, and initiatives that support entrepreneurship and small business growth including being involved in our Business Retention and Expansion program. She will also play a key role in marketing, communications, and storytelling efforts that highlight York County’s assets and opportunities.

Just as important, Grace understands the heart of rural communities and the power of telling our story well. She believes in the value of place, the strength of relationships, and the idea that thoughtful, intentional work can make a lasting local impact.

As Grace begins this next chapter with YCDC, we invited her to introduce herself in her own words. Below, you’ll hear directly from Grace — about her background, her journey, and what drew her to this role and to York County.

Please join us in welcoming Grace Staehr to the YCDC team.

In Grace’s words…

My name is Grace Staehr, and I’m originally from Ecuador, South America. I’m proud to call York, Nebraska, home and have been part of this community for nearly 10 years. Over the past decade, York has become much more than just the place where I live—it’s where I’ve built relationships, raised my family, and found a strong sense of belonging. For this reason, stepping into my role as Economic Development Coordinator with the YCDC is especially meaningful to me.

What excites me most about this position is the opportunity to connect with people and be involved in work that truly makes an impact. I enjoy meeting people, listening to their stories, and learning what matters most to them. Whether it’s supporting a long-established business, helping a new idea take shape, or assisting with projects behind the scenes, I find fulfillment in contributing to efforts that help our community grow and thrive. I appreciate that economic development involves both big-picture planning and everyday actions, and I value the balance between the two.

It is incredibly rewarding to give back to a community that welcomed me so warmly years ago. York County is a special place—one where people show up for one another, collaborate, and care deeply about the future of their towns. I’m grateful to work alongside a dedicated and passionate team at YCDC that is committed to promoting thoughtful, sustainable economic growth. Their dedication inspires me, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that works every day to support businesses, workforce development, and community vitality across the county.

I bring a creative background to this role, along with a strong passion for marketing and communication. I believe that telling the right story matters—whether it’s highlighting a local employer, promoting workforce opportunities, or sharing the successes happening throughout York County. Clear communication and authentic storytelling strengthen connections, build trust, and showcase the opportunities that exist here. I look forward to using these skills to support local businesses, strengthen partnerships, and amplify the work being done throughout our area.

As Economic Development Coordinator, I am excited to continue learning, building relationships, and collaborating with businesses, community leaders, educators, and partners. I look forward to being a resource, a connector, and an advocate for those who call York County home. Most of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a community that has given me so much and to help support a future that is strong, welcoming, and full of opportunity.

Contact Grace at gstaehr@yorkdevco.com or on LinkedIn