City Names Economic Mobility Program Specialist

January 29, 2026 - ROCHESTER, MINN. - The City of Rochester has selected Amanda Leightner as its new Economic Mobility Program Specialist, effective February 2. In this strategic, collaborative role, Leightner will coordinate and advance the City's economic mobility and opportunity efforts, in partnership with local and regional organizations.

Leightner brings more than a decade of experience building entrepreneurial ecosystems, leading cross-sector partnerships, and advancing economic mobility. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Collider Foundation, where she partnered closely with the City of Rochester and regional organizations to expand access to entrepreneurship resources, particularly for under-resourced founders.

"Amanda brings a strong track record of collaboration, innovation, and community-centered leadership," said City Administrator Alison Zelms. "Her experience and deep understanding of Rochester's economic landscape and community will be a tremendous asset as we work with our organizational partners to continue to support local businesses and create more pathways for opportunity."

During her tenure at the Collider Foundation, Leightner helped design and scale programs supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs, led cross-sector initiatives focused on inclusive economic development, and worked directly with City leaders on regional economic strategies. Her background also includes roles in community development, communications, and entrepreneurship education, as well as service on multiple regional advisory boards.

Leightner shares, "Rochester is a community that shows up for one another, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this community in a broader capacity. I look forward to working with partners across the city and region to help create pathways that allow more residents to thrive."

The position is funded through support from the Gates Foundation's Economic Mobility and Opportunity program, in partnership with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Through this initiative, ICMA provides resources, tools, training, and peer learning opportunities to help local governments strengthen upward mobility and expand economic opportunity for residents.

Leightner holds a PhD from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science from Carnegie Mellon University. She lives in Rochester and has been actively involved in the community through nonprofit leadership, including serving as a Board Member of the Rochester Public Library Foundation and regional economic development efforts.