Dan Lytle Wins Momentum West’s Young Professional of the Year

Momentum West has honored Dan Lytle with its 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award, recognizing his dedication to workforce development and economic growth in west-central Wisconsin. As the Director of Economic Development & Regional Campus Management at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), Lytle is pivotal in facilitating strategic initiatives that connect businesses, local governments, and workforce training programs to strengthen the regional economy.

“Dan’s commitment to aligning education with economic development makes a tremendous impact on the region,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. “His leadership in workforce training and industry collaboration is exactly the kind of initiative we want to celebrate with this award.”

Lytle Recognized for Bridging Industry and Education Across West-Central Wisconsin

Lytle’s career in workforce development began immediately after earning his degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Managing Eau Claire County’s workforce operations during one of the economic downturns in generations. It gave him firsthand experience assisting dislocated workers. He later transitioned to a business development and campus management role at CVTC before stepping into his current leadership position.

“I do what I do because it is an overwhelming net positive for the 11 counties CVTC serves,” said Lytle. Working directly with the private sector, local governments, and other higher ed institutions helps merge the best of the public and private sectors to specifically focus on mutually beneficial outcomes for workers and industries here.”

Driving Workforce Growth Through Strategic Collaboration

Lytle’s work at CVTC ensures that the college remains agile and responsive to employer needs. Through advisory committees composed of local businesses, CVTC continuously adapts its programs to meet industry demands, positioning the technical college as a critical driver of workforce readiness in the region.

“I am honored to receive this award from Momentum West,” said Lytle. “It reinforces the importance of regional collaboration and workforce alignment. This recognition helps bring even more visibility to our mission at CVTC, which ensures that workforce training and economic development go hand in hand.”

Lytle credits the collaborative spirit of the Momentum West region for driving progress, emphasizing the organization’s role in uniting counties, businesses, and institutions to think beyond individual borders. Through Lytle’s leadership, CVTC continues to serve as a bridge between education and industry, shaping the future workforce of west-central Wisconsin.