A search is expected to soon begin for a new leader of a Grand Junction-based economic development organization. 

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership announced Robin Brown resigned as executive director to take a position with Colorado Mesa University. 

“We are confident in our ability to find a strong successor and to continue the great work Robin started. And we look forward to continuing to work with Robin in her new capacity,” said Mike Sneddon, chairman of the GJEP board of directors.

Brown has accepted a position as foundation chief executive officer and vice president of development at CMU. Her last day at GJEP is scheduled for Aug. 27.

Brown joined GJEP in 2017 to lead an organization that works to bring companies and jobs to Mesa County.

Before that, Brown worked as co-director of the Downtown Grand Junction Business Improvement District, updating and managing events downtown. She also operated Brown House Public Relations to promote and market Mesa County businesses and industry sectors outside the county. She launched Spoke + Blossom, a magazine promoting the Grand Valley and Western Colorado lifestyle.

Brown attended Fordham University in New York on a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and subsequently served in the Army as a helicopter pilot. She flew the Kiowa Warrior helicopter and also commanded a company of pilots and crew. Brown was twice stationed in Iraq and survived a mission in which her helicopter was shot down.

At GJEP, Brown was involved in several economic development efforts, among them the federal opportunity zones tax credit programs, the Riverfront at Las Colonias business park and relocation of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management headquarters to Grand Junction.

GJEP also experienced an increase in business prospects, expansions and relocations that resulted in more than 100 new jobs and a total economic contribution of nearly $50 million in Mesa County.

“I want to thank Robin for her vision, her drive and her commitment to GJEP’s mission over the last several years,” Sneddon said. “During her tenure, Robin navigated one of the most difficult times not only for our community but across the country and the world — and Mesa County has served as an exemplar of economic resiliency and ingenuity throughout the pandemic.”

Sneddon said the board will begin a search for a new executive director and the work of the organization will continue. “GJEP has numerous exciting prospects and projects in the pipeline, for which Robin has laid a strong foundation.”