The Development Loft at Long X
Meghan Taunton

Meghan Taunton

Director, McKenzie County Economic Development
Keith R. Olson

Keith R. Olson

Regional Director, WSC Small Business Development Center
Vawnita Best

Vawnita Best

Community & Business Development Director, City of Watford City
Cauy Hartel

Cauy Hartel

Technology & Communications Specialist, McKenzie County Economic Development
  • Meghan Taunton serves as the Director of Economic Development for McKenzie County where she works with local leaders, businesses, and regional partners to support strategic growth, infrastructure investment, long-term economic resilience and quality-of-life. Meghan grew up in southern California and moved to Williston during the height of the oil boom. She spent time working in the oil industry as well as working part-time at KUMV-TV and in Grand Forks as a research engineer at the Energy & Environmental Research Center where she frequently worked on projects related to western North Dakota. Having lived on both sides of the state Meghan has a unique perspective of not only North Dakota’s diverse energy landscape but also the region’s economic and societal aspects. Throughout her time here she has experienced first-hand the successes and challenges the region has faced and is focused on the opportunities that lie before our community at this exciting and pivotal time. Meghan attended Williston State College and transferred to the University of Dakota to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering and Economics, adding to her degrees in Mass Communications and Public Relations from California State University San Bernardino. She can be reached at 701-444-8856 or mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us.
  • Keith R Olson, EDFP, CEPA, BCA, SMPS, CBA, ABI, MCMEA, CEB, APBA, PMC, is the regional director for the Small Business Development Center at Williston State College and has been in that capacity since 2003. The primary responsibility of the Center is to help start, grow and expand business in this region. He is responsible for helping business grow through assistance with business finance, writing business plans, transition plans, exit plans and transitions owners from one group to another. In his tenure he has help put together over $900 million in small business loans. He has additional expertise in housing, low income tax credit projects, community development, USDA development projects and other niche financing. He also serves on several boards including chairman of the loan committee for the Opportunity Fund, Lewis and Clark CDC, and other committees which provides exposure to best practices in all phases of business.  Keith graduated in 1987 Magna Cum Laude with a BSED from the University of North Dakota. He can be reached at 701-570-4260 or keith.r.olson@willistonstate.edu
  • Vawnita Best serves as Community & Business Development Director for the city of Watford City.  In the past decade, she has championed economic and community development initiatives in both elected and appointed capacities.  With current community resources being focused on growing business resiliency, retention and expansion abilities, and strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Vawnita works with the City and County Economic Development and Community Promotions team to position the community as a place people want to live and grow things that matter – families, homes, careers.  Vawnita has served on numerous local and state boards and committees in the past, but is currently focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie before the community at this exciting and pivotal time in its history.  Vawnita works closely with the  Watford City Roughrider Fund committee, the one and a half cent city sales tax, with the mission to support quality of life and economic development initiatives in the greater Watford City area.  To contact Vawnita about Roughrider Fund small business and community vibrancy support programs, workforce development initiatives, talent attraction tools, or relocation and community connection guides:  701-580-1862 or vbest@nd.gov
  • Cauy Hartel joined the McKenzie County Economic Development team in August of 2025 as the Technology and Communications Specialist. Born and raised on a ranch outside of Watford City, he attended North Dakota State University where he graduated in 2023 with a Bachelors degree in Precision Agriculture and a Minor in Crop and Weed Sciences. After working in Fargo for 2 years, he decided to get out of the “big city”, and move back home to Watford City. Some of his current job duties include managing McKenzie County JDA’s Down Payment Assistance Program, producing the Living in McKenzie County podcast, and editing the monthly economic development newsletter. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, 4-wheeling, concerts, and traveling. He can be reached at 701-444-8855 or chartel@co.mckenzie.nd.us.

Get in Touch

Meghan Taunton
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us

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