John Garry, President & CEO

John oversees all programs and operations of the Development Corporation of Austin. He has had this position since 2007. 

John is primary contact for Austin with State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development on expansion and marketing projects. He works with site selectors on site selection projects. He provides ongoing coordination with economic development partners.

John has a BA from the University of St. Thomas, an MA from the Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY), and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from the University of Minnesota - Humphrey Institute. He is a native of Austin.  

Email: jkgarry@austindca.org

Sean Williams, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder, Austin Community Growth Ventures

Oversees Launch Co-working Space (LaunchAustinMN.com), develops programs for local entrepreneurs and is a member of the E1 Initiative. Sean is also editing co-founder and publisher of Comicker LLP, publishing for diversity-focused, digital-first, creator-owned comic book publishing company. Overseeing sixteen series on six platforms. Now producing content for augmented reality and mixed reality platforms.

Email: 

sewilliams@austindca.org

Mark Thein, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Consultant

Mark works as an independent consultant with DCA through the Small Business Development Center of Rochester. Mark has done SBDC consulting throughout southeast Minnesota since 1998. He has a BS in Business Administration from Winona State University. He has a SBA Lender Training Certificate. 

Email: mwjrthein@gmail.com

Alice Holst, Executive Administrative Assistant

Alice oversees bookkeeping and administrative duties for DCA. She retired as US Bank Branch Manager in Austin in 2011. 

Email: austindca@austindca.org