WATERTOWN, S.D. —  Watertown Development Company (WDC) has hired Molly Heaton as its Director of Business Development.

Heaton brings with her over 12 years of Human Resource experience, specifically in the manufacturing industry. Her main duties will be to support and execute programs and activities related to recruitment of new businesses and expansion of current business in the WDC service area. She will also be responsible for the administration of current workforce development programs and development of new programs and initiatives to meet the area’s workforce needs.

“Being in HR and supporting management teams, I’ve learned there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to day-to-day business strains,” says Heaton. “With this, I’m looking forward to all of the out-of-the-box ideas to build and enhance our workforce while promoting city development.”

An advocate for Watertown’s workforce, Heaton has 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. She will now serve as the administrator of the WWAC in her new role at WDC.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to showcase my experiences from working in manufacturing while converting my role with the Workforce Advisory Council to support local businesses in their own growth and development,” Heaton continued. “I’m looking forward to being a part of Watertown’s progress.”

In her free time, Heaton volunteers with Junior Achievement of South Dakota, teaching at Watertown High School and McKinley Elementary School. She and her husband also stay busy supporting their two daughters during competitive cheer season and riding their Harleys in the summer.

About Watertown Development Company

The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a private, non-profit economic development company funded by private and public sector stakeholders. The WDC owns and operates buildings, land, and development areas for the economic benefit of the community. Since its establishment in 1947, its efforts have generated substantial impacts and benefits for many decades. The WDC has led strategies and been responsible for the creation of jobs and overall economic opportunity through programs designed to promote and increase the commercial, financial, and economic vitality of the Watertown and its citizens.