SIDNEY - The City of Sidney posted an open economic development director position on their website last month, less than a year after filling the position in March. 

Jeff Klare was hired as the new Economic Development Director last spring, but, in a written statement, said he resigned because of health issues. 

"I will be having a second surgery on my leg the end of January," Klare said. "Our thought was with recovery time, I would not be available to return until April or May. We didn’t want to hamper all of the work needed to be done with the Sentinel Project coming. I turned in my resignation so all could move forward."

Klare, a multi-award winner, was the founder and CEO of Be a Hero-Hire a Hero and Hire Disability Solutions, according to a March 24, 2023 press release. Klare was a leading consultant to many Fortune 1000 companies on inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

The press release said he had helped more than 13,000 people find family-sustaining careers, has more than 20 years of experience in HR marketing and his work has been featured at universities, Weekend Today Show and in major publications. 

Klare organized Sidney's first "Anti-Bullying Day" in late September. The free event had a carnival atmosphere that invited children and adults to combat bullying and promote respect of each other.

"The leadership of the City of Sidney are nothing but the best people to work alongside," Klare said. 

The economic development director is responsible for all economic and community development programs and services for the City of Sidney and Cheyenne County, according to the job posting. A bachelors degree and a minimum of four years of professional experience in a business/economic development field is required.