Meet the Chamber Board: David Schwend

Chamber board member David Schwend is one of the longest serving directors on the board (tying with Jen Crouse, who like Schwend, joined the board in 2017). He has served in numerous roles during his tenure and has seen the Chamber and the local business community through many ups and downs during that time.

Below, Schwend reflects on his long journey with the Chamber, and why its work still excites and motivates him.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My family and I have lived in the Dayton/Ranchester area for over 16 years, I have two boys that both attend Tongue River High School.  I’ve been at Spring Creek Mine for over 16 years, have worked for the company (Navajo Transitional Energy) for 24 years and have been in the mining industry for over 26 years.   

What is your role(s) with the chamber board and/or committees and how long you have been serving on each?

I have served on the Chamber board of directors since August 2017, and will end up with about eight-and-a-third years of service.  I was on the executive team in 2019-2022, serving as a Director in 2019, Vice President in 2020, President in 2021 and Past President in 2022. 

(Editor’s note: The Chamber’s executive committee has higher level discussion prior to the full board meetings and serves as the board for the Chamber’s foundation.)

I have been on the Government Affairs committee my entire tenure with the Chamber Board.  I have served as the vice chair for the last six to seven years.

Why do you volunteer for the Chamber and what impact has it had on you?

I joined the Chamber board to help broaden my knowledge of the Sheridan County business world and gain understanding of the dynamics between the county, city and other non-profit organizations.  I am also a firm believer that having a healthy prosperous community helps the citizens of the community, helps the businesses within the community grow; and helps provide a good employee base.  I continue to be amazed at how great the community and business leaders we have in Sheridan County are.