Rooted in Community, Ready to Lead

Natalie Muruato Joins DKEDC as New CEO

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) is pleased to welcome Natalie Muruato as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Muruato brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in economic development, nonprofit management, municipal administration, and small business ownership.

Muruato most recently served as Executive Director of Grow Clay County, Kansas, where she led the merger of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Group, Travel & Tourism, and Downtown Association into a unified countywide organization. During her tenure, she secured more than $11 million in grant and matching funds, expanded the operational budget, and strengthened local business retention, entrepreneurship, and placemaking initiatives. Prior to that, she simultaneously served as the Executive Director of the Lake Francis Case Development Corporation and Chamberlin-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce in the Lake Francis Case area of South Dakota. Previously, she served as City Auditor/Administrator of Belfield, North Dakota, managing a $3 million budget and securing over $450,000 in grants for community revitalization.

Entrepreneurial and Educational

Her career also includes nearly a decade of entrepreneurship. As the owner and operator of a full-service restaurant and catering business, as well as helping with her husband’s construction business, Muruato says, “Owning and operating my own business taught me more about business than any college course I have taken.” This practical experience, combined with an educational background in finance and accounting, gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing new and established businesses.

Muruato is also committed to professional growth within her field. She holds a Basic Economic Development Certification and is currently working toward the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Additionally, she is a graduate of the prestigious North Dakota State University Rural Leadership Program, an 18-month course designed to strengthen leaders in rural communities.

Vision Built on Local Voices

Looking ahead to her new role with DKEDC, Muruato’s first priority will be to embark on a listening tour. “I want to meet with businesses, community leaders, and residents to assess needs, understand challenges, and build relationships across the county,” she said. “This will help guide DKEDC’s strategies and ensure our work reflects the voices of the community.”Beyond her listening tour, Muruato has set her sights on several long-term goals. She sees talent attraction and workforce development as immediate priorities, noting that many jobs are available in Dickinson County, but connecting them with the right people is key. Over the next few years, she hopes to expand business retention and expansion programs, helping local employers adopt new technologies and innovations to remain competitive. Looking five years ahead, she envisions DKEDC playing a central role in transformative projects that combine housing, infrastructure, workforce, and quality-of-life initiatives. For Muruato, these pieces are inseparable—workforce growth and quality of life go hand in hand. “Quality of life is also essential to the success of any community,” she emphasized. “Strong schools, safe neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and a vibrant sense of place are not just ‘extras’—they are critical for attracting and retaining people.”

For Muruato, one of the greatest rewards of working in rural economic development is personal. “One of the highlights of this work is helping an individual realize their dream of business ownership,” she said. “Those are the moments that change not just one life, but ripple across families and entire communities.”

Dickinson County is Ready to Thrive

She also points to Dickinson County’s strong economic development advantages. With its strategic location along I-70 and access to rail, its deep history, entrepreneurship, and its community values that balance tradition with progress, the county is well-positioned for future growth.

“I was drawn to Dickinson County because I saw an opportunity to stretch my abilities and put my talents to work in new ways,” Muruato said. “This community has the assets, the people, and the determination to thrive—and I’m honored to be part of its future.”

Help shape Dickinson County’s economic future. Reach out to DKEDC today to get involved in upcoming initiatives and programs.