Hofaker Takes the Helm of Economic Development in Phelps County

Jeff Hofaker, former Sutton City Administrator, stepped into his new role leading economic development in Phelps County on October. 1. He takes over for Ron Tillery, PCDC’s director for almost a decade. Tillery will continue working with PCDC through the end of 2025 to help ensure a smooth handoff of ongoing projects. 

“Economic development is a marathon (relay), and my intentions are to grab hold of the baton and perform at 110 percent to cross the finish line,” Hofaker said. 

Helping the Next Generation

Raised on a Kansas farm, Hofaker credits his father with instilling the idea of always striving “to make things better for the next generation.” In his young adult years, Hofaker said he was inspired while being involved with leadership through multiple groups and thinking about the ‘possibilities’ or plans for communities.

“I often ask myself when traveling through other communities, ‘What would make this community better?’” he said. “This foundational base drew me to the economic development field.” 

Hofaker has a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and business administration/marketing from Fort Hays State University and a certification in public management from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He also previously owned a custom harvesting business and still is a partner in Triple J. Farms in Logan, Kan.

Unique Work Experiences

Hofaker has a unique perspective of working in both local government and economic development. He has served as the Sutton City Administrator for 11 years. Before that, he was the Executive Director of Phillips County (Kansas) Economic Development for nearly 10 years. 

“The experience in both areas provides me with the knowledge to navigate challenges, find opportunities for communities, understand statutory restrictions for governments in development, and communicate effectively with both government and economic professionals across the state and beyond,” Hofaker said. “The past experiences of accomplishments across my 25 years in economic development, along with government, provide a strong segue into my new role in PCDC.”

In Phillps County, Hofaker helped launch the Prairie Horizon ethanol plant in Phillipsburg.  In Sutton, he led the city in building a new four-field baseball complex and a new playground facility in the city park, established a downtown enhancement challenge grant program under the LB840 economic development umbrella, led an effort to bring fiber to each residence in town, and set up a phased capital improvement schedule for renewing underground utilities and street improvements.

He was also involved in establishing a new housing subdivision area (Schwab subdivision), which covers 40 acres (in phase #1).  The Schwab subdivision has 51 lots that were created in various sizes to suit different residents’ needs.  

“For the town of Sutton, the development of the Schwab subdivision for new housing development for the next generation of families and workforce is a positive game-changer,” Hofaker said.

Transitioning to Phelps County

Hofaker has already noticed a positive and progressive attitude among Phelps County business leaders, citizens, and government officials. 

“It is exciting to be a part of a strong organizational team that has proven itself as a respected leader in economic development across the State of Nebraska,” Hofaker said. “I am thrilled to be involved with entrepreneurial development and to see strong progress in the downtown creative district. The economic development momentum in Phelps County is strong, and I am excited to be able to become part of the team to see this progress continue.”

Hofaker will hit the ground running with several major projects on the horizon in  Phelps County, including the DG Fuels project, ZEA Sun, and Iron Horse Solar. He is looking forward to building local relationships through trust and face-to-face communication.

“Many leaders around the state already know that I am a team player,” Hofaker said. “Working together as a team is vital to our success and sustainability. This does not happen without trust and teamwork.” 

Jeff and his wife, Stacey (an educator for more than three decades), have been married for almost 30 years. They have three adult children (Destiny, Tristan, and Daelynn) who all live in Nebraska. When he’s not working, he enjoys supporting his family and their activities and being involved in philanthropic service to support his community and church family. He also enjoys working on the family farm in Kansas, reading, and collecting old books.  

“Sharing inspiration through a story or an uplifting, encouraging word to a family member, colleague, or stranger is my everyday challenge,” he said.