Carley Bruning is the Executive Director of the Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA), a countywide organization based in Hebron, Nebraska. Since stepping into this role in 2020, she has led initiatives in workforce housing, business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, youth engagement, and marketing across all eleven communities in Thayer County. 

Under her leadership, TCEDA has spearheaded transformative projects, including countywide child care expansion and broadband access, through the Communities for Kids grant and the Broadband Action Team. She successfully secured a Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund grant-matched with local investment-to construct three new single-family homes in three separate communities, promoting equitable growth throughout the county. 

Carley brings a strong background in housing and economic development, having previously worked as an escrow closing agent and led efforts to create business support programs utilizing LB840 funding before joining TCEDA. A 2019 graduate of the Nebraska State Chamber's Leadership Nebraska program, she currently serves on its Alumni Advisory Council. She is also an active member of the Hebron Rotary, the Hebron Chamber of Commerce, and the Bruning Community Club. 

Carley is known for her energy, collaborative spirit, and unwavering belief in rural potential-helping more people #ThrivelnThayerCounty.