Cindy Graffeo is an experienced economic development professional with a background spanning higher education, nonprofit leadership, community development, and strategic marketing. She currently serves as the Director of Innovation and Economic Development at North Dakota State University, where she builds partnerships between industry and academia. 

Prior to joining NDSU, Cindy served as Executive Director of Fargo’s Downtown Community Partnership, and Executive Director of Moorhead’s Economic Development Authority, and Chief of Staff at Dakota Medical Foundation. Across these roles, she has led strategic planning initiatives, supported business growth, strengthened regional partnerships, managed high-impact communications and community-facing programs.   

She also serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, where she chairs the Resource Development Committee. Outside of work, she is a busy mom to her daughter, Yvee, a passionate Girl Scout Media Team member, performer, and animal shelter volunteer.