Berglund steps down as CEO of Upstate Colorado

GREELEY — Eric Berglund will step down as president and chief executive of Upstate Colorado effective March 6.

Berglund has headed the economic development group that primarily covers Weld County since 2011. It is backed by public and private organizations.

Berglund’s resignation comes as a powerful group of corporate leaders in the region has begun organizing a new, privately funded economic development group known as the Northern Colorado Economic Alliance.

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Berglund’s departure adds more uncertainty to the region’s economic development scene. Last September, Walt Elish, the leader of the Larimer County group, the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp., also resigned. The agency vowed to thoroughly review its mission before naming a permanent replacement.

The new economic alliance has vowed to unite efforts to recruit corporate players to Weld and Larimer counties, without using government funding.

Upstate’s board of directors said in a prepared statement that it has started the recruitment process to find Berglund’s successor, and the job posting will be available on Friday, Jan. 30.

In the prepared statement, Berglund thanked the dedication and sacrifice of people across Weld County and the region for being “the driving force behind Colorado’s economic success.

“Our private-sector leadership and strong public participation have proven to be a national model for getting the job done when it comes to helping companies grow and prosper,” he said. “Given the progress we have made in the last few years, I have concluded that now is the right time for someone else to take the helm at Upstate Colorado. I could not be leaving the organization in a stronger position.”

Sean Conway, vice chairman of Upstate’s board of directors, said Berglund “has been a tremendous leader. We are stronger because of his dedicated work on behalf of Upstate Colorado and the entire region. Eric is leaving the organization in a very strong position financially and leaves behind proven results.”