Washington native Melanie Bimson brings winding road of experience to economic development role

By: John LohmanAnnie Smith Barkalow|March 25, 2026

|6 min read

Melanie Bimson is shown on the square in Washington, Iowa. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

For Washington Economic Development Group’s (WEDG) new executive director, Melanie Bimson, the road home has been a circuitous one.

As a young adult, the Washington, Iowa native headed west to Colorado and has since resided in Chicago, Texas and Minnesota, before returning to Iowa in 2023. Her son, Pierce, wanted to attend a small school.

“He was one of 20 kids in his grade,” she said, speaking…

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Washington native Melanie Bimson brings winding road of experience to economic development role

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