Meet Robert Short

Robert Short is an entrepreneur, local businessman, and three-term Converse County Commissioner. He grew up in Glenrock, Wyoming, where his parents instilled the values of hard work, integrity, and loyalty.

 

After working in power line construction and uranium mining, he studied electrical engineering and computer science, graduating at the top of his class. Robert built a career in technology that took him around the world, working for both Fortune 500 companies and small startups. In 2005, Robert returned with his family to Douglas and started a small business with his wife and best friend, Janella.

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Over the past 21 years, their initial business multiplied into many spanning energy, agriculture, retail, and tourism—creating more than 120 jobs in Converse County. Robert’s experience building companies, creating opportunity, and diversifying the local economy shapes his long-term vision for Wyoming’s future.

Since first being elected in 2014, Robert has brought that same work ethic to county government—listening to residents and focusing on practical results. During his service on the board, he and his fellow commissioners have modernized the 30+ year-old Road and Bridge shop, built a new Justice Center, and invested in infrastructure to expand housing and support business growth. They’ve also built a new animal shelter, strengthened libraries, supported new Boys & Girls Clubs in Douglas and Glenrock, funded new communications towers to improve emergency services in remote areas, and expanded broadband access. Robert worked collaboratively with Eastern Wyoming College to help fund a new college campus and a state-of-the-art construction trades building. He is also a strong advocate for outdoor recreation and helped acquire more than 200 acres surrounding Natural Bridge Park for residents to enjoy.


Robert is proud of his involvement with Wyoming County Commissioners Association, most recently serving as vice president. He helped develop WCCA's Congressional Tour Initiative, a unique, bipartisan program to bring congressional staffers from Washington, D.C. to Wyoming for in-depth tours of the state. The Initiative helps educate policymakers on the realities of living and working in Wyoming and strengthens relationships that improve outcomes for Wyoming communities.


In addition, Robert has served on multiple boards in Wyoming: Workforce Development, Air Quality Advisory, Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Public Lands, Energy and Environment, Municipal Joint Powers 911, Joint Justice Joint Powers, as well as Vice Chairman of the National Association of Counties Policy Steering Committee for Technology and Telecommunication.



Robert is a dedicated husband and dad. He and Janella have four kids. He enjoys rock hounding, single track biking, skiing, fishing, and anything that gets him outdoors with his family.  He is eager to put his experience, values, and vision to work for Wyoming.