NAMPA — The city is undergoing a bit of a staffing update as chairs either are or will be shuffling throughout the next few months.
Robyn Sellers, who’s moving on to become the city of Boise’s economic development director after working for eight years in the same position with Nampa, spoke in front of Nampa City Council, other city officials and members of the public on Monday night during the Nampa City Council meeting.
But, she didn’t do so without a little help from a colleague.
Clay Long, the city’s chief of staff, introduced Sellers’ outgoing speech with a framed letter from the city that highlights the impact Sellers had on the city of Nampa and its community.
“Your time with the city of Nampa has been marked by exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to our community,” Long read. “Since joining us in 2018, you have played a critical role in advancing the city of Nampa’s Economic Development program and urban renewal initiatives through the Nampa Development Corporation. Your ability to foster collaboration among elected officials, developers, businesses and community partners has given Nampa the reputation where businesses can succeed.”
Long continued, naming Sellers’ and the city’s “significant achievements.”
“(Those include) private investments, job creation and vital infrastructure development that have expanded the commercial and industrial portfolio of the city,” Long said. “Your work has not only revitalized our downtown, but also laid the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity for years to come. You were part of several significant projects in Nampa, such as Amazon, The Stow Company, JTS, Tractor Supply, just to name a few.”
Sellers was in attendance for the grand opening of Tractor Supply Company on Sept. 23, in Nampa. When Sellers was there, she received praise for her work on the site development that made it possible for the Fortune 500 company to move into the Gem State’s third biggest city, where it will bring 250 initial jobs to Nampa’s workforce.
The letter also marked how Sellers’ “strategic problem-solving skills and dedication to moving complex projects from vision to implementation have set a high standard” for the city.
In June 2026, Consultant Connect named Sellers “one of the top-50 economic developers in North America in 2026.” The company links economic developers and site consultants across North America, according to its LinkedIn.
“(Being recognized for that) is a testament to your work and professionalism and the respect you have earned within the economic development community,” Long said.
“We will greatly miss your expertise and leadership. We are excited for you to take on your new opportunity. We are confident that you will continue to make a significant impact wherever you go,” Long said. “Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the city of Nampa for the legacy you leave behind. We wish you all the best in your future endeavor.”
Mayor Darl Bruner added his own comments illustrating what Sellers has meant to the city.
“Robyn, by the way, we have a lot of rockstars, but (you have) been a real, super rockstar,” Bruner said to Sellers before addressing her husband Mark, 16-year-old son Luke, 15-year-old son Landon and 11-year-old son Easton. “God bless you, young lady. And family, I know you’re all a part of this too. I know she’s gonna do wonderful things and Nampa’s just been blessed to have her as long as we have, so thanks.”
Sellers spoke briefly about Nampa and leaving her post.
“I just want to say thank you to (city) council, it’s been a true joy working in Nampa,” said Sellers, whose voice was breaking a little because of emotion. “There’s been so many wonderful relationships and people that I’ve met while working here. It’s been a wonderful learning experience. Bringing these amazing companies here, working with fantastic individuals who want to make Nampa better, I feel blessed to have this experience. I just want to thank each of you for your relationship with me. So thank you.”
INTRODUCING STEVEN JENKINS
While Sellers looks forward to her future with the city of Boise, it is clear from the kind words the city left her that she paved a smooth runway for her replacement to land.
Steven Jenkins, who started Monday, is awfully familiar with Canyon County. He worked the same position for the city of Caldwell for seven years — from 2019 to early 2026, according to the city of Nampa. Amongst his economic development leads were “business attraction and retention, downtown revitalization, the Sky Ranch and North Ranch business parks and urban renewal.”
In between his last city post in Caldwell and his new one in Nampa, Jenkins worked as an economic and community development advisor for Idaho Power.
Long said he’s excited to add Jenkins to the city’s team.
“When Robyn shared her news that she was leaving us, this name quickly came to the surface as a high potential candidate,” Long said. “We went through the hiring process… It was very clear that Steve brings with him a great deal of experience doing very similar work, working collaboratively with Robyn… We are very blessed to have him step into Robyn’s shoes and continue (carrying) the torch.”
Jenkins took his turn at the lectern Monday night, where he was flanked by his wife Chelsea and four sons — Caden, 13; Kysen, 11; Camden, 7 and Koby, 2.
“Thank you so much, I really appreciate the opportunity to be here. I’m super excited to be a part of this team,” Jenkins said to Bruner and the rest of city council. “I just want to say first and foremost, it’s just a privilege to know Robyn Sellers and to have worked with her throughout my time in economic development, which has been extensive. I’ve been in this field for the vast majority of my career.”
Jenkins said he “learned a deep regional perspective,” working with Ada County, Elmore County and Boise County.
“It was really understanding utility work and how it intersects with development,” Jenkins said. “I think that was an important aspect of making me a stronger economic developer.”
Jenkins told the city council it was “heartwarming” to watch how they honored Sellers.
“But also, it’s just a testament to the people who you are and the relationships that you have,” Jenkins said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the family as well. I want you know, also, (city) council and mayor, I want this department to be an asset to the work that you do. I want you to understand what’s happening on the front lines, but also how we can shape the community together, cast a vision. I not only want to compete in the Treasure Valley, but I want to compete in the greater Mountain West and the Pacific Northwest as a whole. I feel like Nampa’s at a pivotal point in its history where we can really shape the community.”
Bruner said he’s known “Steve for several, several years,” and also that, jokingly, “he’s not a bit competitive.”
“What he just stated, I believe is going to happen,” Bruner said.