The Greater Des Moines Partnership has named a new executive vice president of economic development. Mike Swesey was named Thursday to fill the position previously held by Brian Crowe. According to a news release, Swesey has worked with the Partnership’s economic development team for more than 20 years. Before joining the Partnership, he worked at the Iowa Economic Development Authority, was the economic development director for Norwalk, and served on the board of the Mid-America Economic Development Council for six years. In his new role, Swesey will lead the Partnership’s efforts in helping companies move to and expand in the Greater Des Moines region. “Mike is well-positioned to lead the Partnership’s economic development work as our region continues to move forward,” Jay Byers, president and CEO of the Partnership, said in a news release. Swesey said he’s excited to lead the Partnership’s economic development team and help it grow on the momentum that has been seen in recent years. “In my time working in economic development in DSM, I have seen the major transformation of our community and experienced the regional cooperation that has led to this growth,” said Swesey, who began his new role on Jan. 31. Crowe’s last day was Jan. 28. Byers said in an emailed statement that the Partnership appreciates Crowe’s work on “projects such as the Targeted Industry Study with EY and the Central Iowa Broadband Internet Study. We wish Brian well as he pursues new career opportunities.” Attempts to reach Crowe were unsuccessful. Crowe joined the Partnership in January 2021, filling the position left open when David Maahs retired at the end of 2020. Photo submitted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.