WDC Staff

Executive Director

Clifton brings over 35 years of economic development experience to the Watertown Development Company. Throughout his tenure, he as has facilitated numerous economic development projects such as site selection and development of new industrial land, facilitation of tenant/landlord real estate transactions in over 41 states, and the management of several non-profit fundraising campaigns – each of which raised over $22MM.

In this position, he leads the economic development organization and implements programs that facilitate the creation of jobs, quality housing, and economic growth throughout Watertown in accordance with the Watertown Development Company’s mission and strategic plan.

Chris is a Certified Economic Developer (CED), graduate of the US Chamber Institute of Organizational Management (IOM), and is a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho National Fraternity (AGR), Society of Industrial Office Realtors (SIOR), Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC).

Contact Chris Clifton

Phone: 605-884-0340
Cell:605-880-6784
Email: cclifton@wdcsd.com

Business Development Manager

Molly joined the Watertown Development Company in November 2022 to assist new and expanding companies with their development in Watertown. In this position, she assists with business recruitment and expansion and establishes and directs initiatives that promote the growth, diversity, and quality of the area workforce to meet the business community’s present and future needs. She conducts research and provides analysis on economic health and commercial development of property including business recruitment, job development and business retention strategies. Molly also serves as Administrator of the Watertown Workforce Advisory Council where she develops relationships with company decision-makers and provides them with the resources they need to expand or relocate to Watertown.

An advocate for Watertown’s workforce, Molly has also been an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2014, and the Watertown Workforce Advisory Council (WWAC) since its inception in 2015, serving as its Vice Chair since January 2022.

Contact Molly Heaton

Phone: 605-884-0340
Cell: 605-880-4819
Email: mheaton@wdcsd.com

Executive Assistant

Angie joined the Watertown Development Company in January of 2023 to assist new and expanding companies, childcare, and various other programs  available through the development company.

Angie attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2013. She moved to Watertown in 2017 to start a family with her spouse. She worked as the General Manager for SkyWest airlines until January of 2022 when they ended up exiting Watertown. She then took a position as an Administrative Assistant for the Watertown Airport for about a year. She ended up leaving the airport to open Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Watertown in June of 2023. After successfully opening the cafe, Angie felt it was time to explore more career options and look for a way to help support Watertown and its growth. Angie was hired as an Executive Assistant for Watertown Development Company on January 2nd. Angie has a passion for business and growth within the Watertown Community and hopes to become an asset for the Watertown Development Company.

Contact Angie Yahne

Phone: 605-884-0340
Cell: 605-880-2804
Email: ayahne@wdcsd.com