Cheyenne native joins Wyoming Business Council; role transition announced

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Business Council announced Monday it is welcoming in a new team member and a role transition within the organization. Both individuals bring a deep passion for Wyoming and a commitment to creating opportunities for businesses and communities.

Cortney Sutcliffe recently joined the WBC as the administrative solutions coordinator, bringing her passion for supporting Wyoming communities and her wealth of experience in education.

Sutcliffe is a Cheyenne native with deep roots in the state. She spent her formative years enjoying the wide-open spaces and beautiful skies that make Wyoming so special. After graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in elementary education, she began her career as an elementary classroom teacher in Laramie County School District 1. Most recently, she worked as a Student Success Coach at Laramie County Community College where she helped students navigate their educational journeys.

“My time in education was incredibly rewarding,” Sutcliffe said. “It was a privilege to support students as they pursued their goals. Wyoming’s strong commitment to education has always been something I admire.”

Sutcliffe was drawn to the WBC for the opportunity to contribute to a team dedicated to the betterment of Wyoming. Outside of work, Sutcliffe enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially during Wyoming’s unbeatable summers. She loves boating on the lake, tending to her flower garden, and diving into historical fiction and nonfiction books.

I’m excited to support the amazing work being done by the team and to continue learning and growing in this role,” Sutcliffe said.

After two successful years as the WBC’s business retention and expansion manager, Kaley Holyfield has moved into a new role as the southeast regional director. Her journey with the Council and her deep ties to the state make her a perfect fit to lead efforts in this dynamic region covering Albany, Carbon, Goshen, and Laramie counties.

Holyfield grew up in western Colorado surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan Mountains and the renowned Palisade Peaches. Her love for the outdoors and a sense of adventure drew her to Wyoming where she spent summers visiting her parents’ hometown of Saratoga. Enchanted by Wyoming’s grit, freedom, and community, Holyfield attended the University of Wyoming and earned a degree in business management and human resources.

“Wyoming feels like one small town with really long streets,” Holyfield said. “Even when you’re six hours from home, the connections and sense of community make it feel like you’re right next door.”

Her new role as a regional director allows her to focus on the challenges and opportunities specific to the region she calls home. “I’ve always admired the southeast region’s willingness to act boldly to overcome barriers,” she said. “I’m excited to dive deeper into local challenges and contribute to the momentum communities here have already built.”

Holyfield initial goal has been to meet face-to-face with partners throughout the region to better understand how the Business Council can support their efforts. Moving forward, she aims to focus on initiatives that drive meaningful progress in business retention and expansion, workforce development and attraction, and addressing workforce housing availability.

To learn more about the entire WBC team and how the organization is working to strengthen Wyoming, click here.