Kristin Bonk Fong

The Wyoming Business Council is adding to its regional director team, including with a new hire in Cody. Kristin Bonk Fong — who had been working for Kanye West’s Yeezy brand — joined the agency this week and will soon be working with local leaders and business owners.

As the new northwest regional director, Fong will serve Park, Big Horn, Hot Springs and Washakie counties. Fong is replacing Amy Quick, also of Cody, who had held the position since July 2017, but moved into a strategic communications role with the Wyoming Business Council in May.

Fong is a more recent resident of the state and region, but “brings a passion and sincere appreciation of the local culture and lifestyle,” the Business Council said in a news release announcing her hire.

“When I read the job description for this position, I felt like I was able to identify with all of the goals and qualifications,” Fong said in the release. “I felt certain that I could forge a network within my community built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared love of our state. I have always enjoyed collecting friends and colleagues and am excited to see what other areas of the state I can learn about in this position.”

Fong grew up in northern Illinois and developed a love for outdoor activities, which eventually led her out West for education and adventures. She moved to Cody with her family in 2018 to serve as the first full-time executive director of By Western Hands, a nonprofit that honors and perpetuates Western craftsmanship.

Fong grew into the position during the organization’s first year operating in a new facility and navigated the many challenges presented in managing a nonprofit startup organization. Most recently, Fong has been the office manager for the Yeezy sample room in Cody.

“What an incredible learning experience,” she said. “Not only was the global business strategy completely different from a local nonprofit’s but bearing witness to the creative process as footwear prototypes were assembled, refined, and released was incredible.”

Fong said she quickly took on a multitude of roles at Yeezy, learning at every opportunity. She began to realize, however, that she was seeking a position that felt more authentically Wyoming and more authentically “her.”

“My purpose is to make a greater, more tangible impact in the community and region that I love,” she said. “My wish is to see Wyoming thrive so that my children can enjoy long-term stability and opportunities to grow into their own purposes as adults.”

Fong’s initial goal in her new position is to visit and learn more about the region where she lives and works.

“I am especially excited to connect with business owners and local economic developers and learn the ins and outs of each individual situation. I look forward to hearing my region’s stories, both good and bad, to get a full picture of our economic health,” she said “I am certain that I won’t have answers early on, but I anticipate animated conversations, great dialogue, and hope to collaborate to find solutions to problems. I can’t wait to generate creative ideas and galvanize partnerships through a mutual love of Wyoming.”

To connect with Fong, email her at kristin.fong@wyo.gov.

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) also recently hired Kiley Ingersoll as its southwest regional director. Ingersoll will serve Lincoln, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties.

“We are excited to welcome Kiley and Kristin to our team,” said Southeast Regional Director Heather Tupper. “Their previous experience and strengths will be an asset to the WBC as well as the communities and partners they will be working with so closely.”