Leslie Dingman, CEcD, EDFP
Business Development Director
Driving strategic growth for Greater St. Cloud by aligning business needs, opportunities, and partnerships is how I create meaningful impact.
Leading Businesses to Greater Success
As Business Development Director, Leslie Dingmann serves as the primary point of contact for companies exploring and investing in Greater St. Cloud. Known for responsive service and strategic problem solving, Leslie helps businesses navigate site selection, workforce engagement, incentives, and community integration to support successful location, expansion, and retention decisions.
With more than a decade of experience in economic development, Leslie brings deep expertise in business attraction and retention, regional assets, and public-private partnership coordination. Prior to joining Greater St. Cloud, she served as Economic Development Specialist for the City of Big Lake, where she helped facilitate more than $17 million in new business investment through business retention and attraction efforts. In her current role, she develops and executes short- and long-term strategies to support primary sector growth, manages strategic initiatives, and promotes the Greater St. Cloud region to regional, state, and national audiences
Leslie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Studies, along with a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and best practices in the field.
In addition to her professional role, Leslie is actively engaged in regional and statewide service organizations focused on economic vitality and community leadership. She serves as Vice President and Treasurer of the Minnesota Economic Development Foundation and is a long-standing board member. Leslie is also a member of the Rotary Club of St. Cloud, where she has held multiple leadership roles and currently serves as President for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. Her additional service includes board and advisory roles with St. Cloud Opportunities, the Greater Minnesota Partnership, and the Women’s Business Alliance–Central, supporting entrepreneurship, regional collaboration, and inclusive economic growth.
