PCEDmarksleadership transition, celebrates years of growth
PIERCE COUNTY - Pierce County Economic Development
(PCED) is announcing a leadership transition as Executive Director Susan Norris formally concludes her service to the organization and the communities of Pierce County.
Norris stepped down from her role in May 2025 and has remained in a limited capacity to support the organization during the transition period. With the board of directors now moving forward with new leadership, PCED recognizes her more than six years of dedicated service to Pierce, Plainview, Osmond, and Hadar.
During her tenure, Norris worked closely with community leaders, business owners, and regional partners to advance initiatives focused on business development, entrepreneurship, and community growth. Her leadership helped secure resources, strengthen partnerships, and support projects that contributed to the continued vitality of Pierce County.
Her work and the progress of the community were recognized at the regional, state, and national levels. Norris was named the 2022 Nebraska Economic Developers Association Professional of the Year. Under her leadership, Plainview was designated a 2022 Nebraska Governor’s Showcase Community, and community projects earned both the National and Regional Awards for Excellence in Community Development from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Norris was also selected to PCED MARKS LEADERSHIP TRANSITION, CELEBRATES participate in the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (2022–2023) through First Five Nebraska, a program focused on shaping public policy related to early childhood development. In addition, she was a member of Catalyst Cohort 65, an invite-only leadership program supported by the Sherwood Foundation that brings together high-performing leaders from across Nebraska for advanced leadership development and community impact.
“Economic development is truly a team effort,” Norris said. “The progress made over the past several years reflects the commitment of volunteers, business owners, and community leaders who care deeply about the future of their communities. It has been an honor to serve alongside them.”
Over the past year, Norris has transitioned into a consultant role, serving as an economic development strategist with a national firm, where she works on large-scale projects with communities across the country. She remains active in Nebraska’s economic development network through continued involvement in statewide initiatives and committees.
While stepping away from her formal role with PCED, Norris and her family remain deeply rooted in Pierce County. She and her husband are owners of Just Love Coffee Café in Plainview, and her husband continues his family’s farming operation, contributing to the local and regional economy. With the next generation beginning to return and invest in the area, their commitment to northeast Nebraska continues to grow.
Pierce County Economic Development also announced that Judith Stanton has been hired in a part-time capacity to support ongoing operations and initiatives during the transition.
The PCED Board of Directors will continue to provide oversight as the organization moves forward.
For more information, contact the Pierce County Economic Development Board. Contact details are available at www.pcedne.org.
