Philip Cowee has been selected as the Northern Nevada Development Authority’s new executive director, according to a news release, replacing Robert Hooper who recently retired after 12 years.
A businessman and sixth-generation Nevadan, Cowee has over 20 years of professional experience developing properties and running businesses in Lyon County.
From November 2017 to January 2021, he was the state director of USDA Rural Development in Nevada. Prior to that, Cowee developed many commercial and industrial projects and led the Lyon County School District as finance director from 2012-2016. Recently, he was elected to the LCSD board and currently serves as clerk. Cowee is also a member of the school district’s Career & Technical Education Committee that coordinates and collaborates with the Nevada Department of Education CTE Program.
He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration-accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno.
“It is a great honor to have been selected to serve the communities of Nevada’s Sierra Region,” Cowee said in the release. “I look forward to continuing the work Rob started to recruit new business to the region, while nurturing current companies to expand into a thriving economy. We are fortunate to have an array of community partners dedicated to developing a workforce to fill the demand of these prospering businesses.”
“The NNDA Executive Board looks forward to working with Mr. Cowee as Nevada and our Sierra Region navigate economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Greg Dye, chair, NNDA Executive Board. “Workforce development and obtainable workforce housing are priorities locally and statewide. Phil’s experience in both areas can help NNDA address the needs of Sierra Region employers and residents.”
Since 2010, NNDA has assisted 116 companies with relocation and expansion, according to the release. Its economic development efforts have generated over 5,000 jobs and more than $2 billion total economic impact for the Sierra Region.
