About Us
The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth and development of existing businesses, and pursues quality new businesses to help sustain the economic vitality of the area. With the recent investments announced, Dodge City and Ford County have experienced an increase of 13.1% in job growth over the past five years, accounting for over 2,000 additional new job openings in all areas including accounting, health, manufacturing, hospitality, agribusiness, and education.
The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation is a joint partnership between the City of Dodge City, Ford County, and several private businesses.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation is to promote the growth and development of existing business and pursue quality new businesses in an aggressive, positive, and efficient manner that promotes the socio-economic viability of the region.
Staff Bios
Joann Knight
Executive Director
Joann Knight serves as the Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation and has been with the public/private partnership for 29 years. She is responsible for overseeing the organizations day-to-day operations including business recruitment and expansion, workforce, housing, rural community development, neighborhood revitalization and entrepreneurship.
Knight was instrumental in creating and now also oversees Main Street Dodge City, Dodge City Festivals, and the Community Housing Association of Dodge City. Knight was instrumental in building partnerships to successfully create and implement the Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA), which is working to create stronger businesses education coalitions across Southwest Kansas and has developed the University/Training Center to bring degree and training programs to the region that meet the needs of the regions workforce. The University Center opened in August 2020. Recently Knight worked with the Kansas Small Business Development Center to host and locate an office in Dodge City covering a seven-county region including Kiowa, Clark, Comanche, Ford, Edwards, Hodgeman and Ness Counties. Knight was awarded the National Rural Economic Development Alliance 2019 Rural Economic Development Leadership Award.
Joann currently serves on several state and regional boards including currently serving as the President of the Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (wKREDA), board member of Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Team Kansas Board member and was the 2018 Class Representative for the Eisenhower Excellence in Public Service Series. She was the 2013 Kansas Representative on the Southern Economic Development Council Board of Directors and is a Past President of the KEDA.
Mollea Wainscott
Mollea Wainscott joined the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation in September 2015 as the Special Projects Coordinator/Housing. In June 2020, Mollea was promoted to Assistant Director of Economic Development. Mollea oversees projects for the Community Housing Association of Dodge City including the Abandoned Housing Program, Community Home Renovation Program and Paint Dodge. Mollea also focuses on community development for Bucklin, Ford and Spearville.
Kyla Keller
Kyla Keller is the Rural Education and Workforce Alliance (REWA) Coordinator for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation. In this role, she leads efforts to develop and expand workforce opportunities in the region. Her responsibilities include managing key programs such as Apprenticeships, the CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) Network, Career Days, and the Love Kansas program, all designed to enhance talent retention, recruitment, and professional skill development. Kyla’s work bridges education and industry, creating pathways for students and residents to connect with local employers and build successful careers.
Originally from Falcon, Colorado, Kyla moved to Dodge City in 2014. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University’s Forbes School of Business and Technology.
Kyla is happily married and a proud mother of four children. She finds joy in supporting her kids as they excel in sports and academics. Outside of her professional and family life, Kyla enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors, sharing her love of adventure with her family.
Kyla’s dedication to workforce development and her ability to foster collaboration between education and local industries make her an integral part of the community’s efforts to strengthen its workforce and economy.
Hugo Hernandez
Hugo Hernandez is the new Main Street Director with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation.
Hugo was born and raised in Dodge City, KS. Before being named Main Street Director, Hugo was in elementary education for nine years. Prior to that, he was a licensed substitute teacher for two years.
Hugo is heavily involved in the southwest Kansas music community and has a strong background in organizing and promoting events of all types. Some of those events include the International Festival, the Founders Weekend Concert at Wright Park, and his community events, the “Gunsmoke Sessions”.
“The moment I became a musician, I knew I wanted to do something unique with the arts. I am a strong believer of the importance of creativity in any form of media. I want to be able to promote and establish new ideas, particularly in my own town” – Hugo
He strongly believes in the concept of being able to make Dodge City flourish in any way, shape or form. From being able to support our local businesses to bringing fresh ideas to the table, he believes that collectively we can take Dodge City to new and exciting heights.
“I am ecstatic to be part of the economic development team! Thank you for the opportunity and know that I am here to serve my community to the best of my ability as I take on some new and exciting challenges” - Hugo
Rocio Montiel
Rocio Montiel is the Housing and Special Projects Coordinator for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation. With a professional background rooted in customer service, Rocio has consistently demonstrated a passion for helping others, finding great reward in making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves. In her new role, she is excited to expand her commitment to community development by not only assisting families in revitalizing their homes but also contributing to the rejuvenation of entire neighborhoods.
Rocio is married and the proud mother of two boys, ages 2 and 10. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys painting and long-distance running, which provide her with a creative and active outlet. Rocio looks forward to leveraging her skills and dedication to community improvement in this new chapter of her career.