Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell Resigned
The state agency board has begun an executive search for new leadership as the council faces ongoing legislative scrutiny.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Remote Work
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The Wyoming Business Council board accepted the resignation of CEO Josh Dorrell on October 14, 2026. The board has initiated a search for an interim leader and expects to appoint a permanent replacement by the summer of 2027.
Why it matters
The leadership departure follows a period of legislative pressure, including bills introduced in January 2026 to defund or dismantle the organization. This shift creates uncertainty for businesses that rely on the council for economic development oversight and federal grant administration.
Josh Dorrell concludes a term that began in 2020, overseeing a period marked by the management of federal COVID relief funds. The council, which previously lobbied against the 2010 data center sales tax break removal in 2021, now faces a transition ahead of the 2027 permanent hiring goal.
The players
Josh Dorrell
The outgoing CEO who led the Wyoming Business Council from 2020 through 2026.
Wyoming Business Council
The state agency responsible for economic development, COVID relief fund distribution, and business advocacy.
Wyoming Legislature
The state governing body that introduced bills in 2026 to dismantle or defund the council.
The details
Following an executive session, the board voted to accept the resignation and authorized select individuals to manage organizational duties. The agency is now navigating a transition period while managing its existing portfolio of state economic initiatives. The council previously played a central role in distributing federal COVID relief funds, a function that continues to be a subject of legislative interest.
Timeline
2020: The Wyoming Business Council hired Josh Dorrell.
2021: Dorrell lobbied against removing data center sales tax breaks.
January 2026: Legislators introduced bills to defund or dismantle the council.
October 14, 2026: The board accepted Josh Dorrell's resignation.
Summer 2027: The council aims to install a permanent CEO.
Market Landscape
The transition follows the council's long-standing support for the 2010 data center sales tax break, a position that drew significant legislative attention. The change in leadership marks a potential shift in the agency's strategy as it balances its economic development mandate with calls for structural reform.
Operators in the state should monitor council policy shifts as the interim leadership takes over day-to-day operations. Businesses currently seeking or managing state economic grants should maintain contact with the council to ensure continuity during the transition.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at state economic agencies often signal shifts in lobbying priorities and grant disbursement strategies. Operators should monitor the board search process for indications of whether the council will maintain its previous stance on state tax incentives and business support programs.
Further reading
Explore ongoing workforce and development shifts in the Remote Work section.
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