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Staff
Maybe you’ve seen them at the
farmers’ market or lending a hand at a
volunteer program. Here you can learn about and contact the Downtown District staff members who work every day to make downtown Cedar Rapids a great place to be!
Have general questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us
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President/CEO
“Cedar Rapids has a marvelous vision for its future, with much of the focus on the vibrancy of downtown and its core neighborhoods. The Downtown District exists to execute those plans, in collaboration with our partners, to make this no less than one of America’s greatest cities.”
I was appointed President & CEO of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District in January 2007. I came here from The Gazette newspaper, where I worked as a reporter and an editor for 11 years. I also served stints in public policy and communications roles with the City of Cedar Rapids and the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. I’m honored to be working alongside the exceptional community leaders I’ve found in downtown business circles, the arts and human services sectors, city and county government, the media and so many others who care so deeply about Cedar Rapids.
I’m a native of Random Lake, Wis., and a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. My life is fulfilled by family endeavors that include joining my wife, Jennifer, in following the budding academic, swimming, gymnastics, softball – and quite possibly the musical, dramatic and comedic -- careers of our wonderful elementary age daughters Grace and Anna.
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Director of Marketing & Community Relations
“A vibrant downtown is a necessary ingredient to any strong community.”
As a downtown liaison to several organizations throughout the Corridor, I'm honored to help spread the message of downtown development and it's implications on the vibrancy of our whole community. From successful programming and events, collaboration with businesses within and outside of downtown, and the immeasurable enthusiasm of those that support the concept of a strong downtown, we continue to strive and celebrate the core that is and will be downtown Cedar Rapids.
I joined the Downtown District in October of 2007 after seven years in local media and advertising. My passion for engaging and connecting people to our community served as an exciting transition tool into the role of marketing and community relations director.
I graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Journalism and Communication Studies as well as concentrations in marketing and public relations. While our roles with the Downtown District are always with us, I stay active in several other areas of the community, including staying involved in ImpactCR, participating as a board member for the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, member of the Women’s Leadership Steering Council, Goodwill Business Advisory Council, co-founder of Conquer the Corridor and active in the Connect 2 Community Program. I'm fortunate to have a fantastic family just a short drive away in Illinois, a hyper active weimariner puppy, and the best friends I could ask for living right here in Cedar Rapids.
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Director of Operations
“A community’s health is measured by the vibrancy of its urban centers. As Cedar Rapidians, we have the once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the rebirth of Iowa’s second largest City and I am proud to be part of the organization that is leading the way.”
I rejoined the Downtown District team as the Operations Director in October 2008 after serving as the Marketing and Events Director from July 2006 to September 2007. I have more than eight years of experience in non-profit project management, marketing, event planning and advocacy. A native of Austin, Texas, I also served as the Sr. Director of Executive Vice President Initiatives for the South Central Region of the American Heart Association and as a staff member for Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte. I am inspired every day by the resiliency of this community and am honored to be working side by side with the creative, passionate and brilliant people that call Cedar Rapids home.
I graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Communications and Women’s Studies from Southwestern University, and an M.A. in Interpersonal Communication Studies with a specialization in Public Health Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. In my spare time, I’m an active volunteer for several organizations, including my service on the boards of Junior League, ImpactCR, and Planned Parenthood.
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Director Of Events
“I’m passionate about creating events to celebrate and enjoy our vibrant downtown neighborhood because it is the hub of our city, and is essential to the vitality of this community.”
Before joining the Downtown District, I was the Box Office Manager and Marketing Assistant for the Cedar Rapids Symphony, an organization rich in downtown history. Now, as the Event Director for the Downtown District, I create and manage a calendar of unique downtown events with the help of our zealous volunteers. In this position, I’ve teamed up with many of our cultural entities and dining and nightlife establishments to create new ways for our community to experience and enjoy what downtown has to offer. I love that our Downtown neighborhood has opportunities to explore, learn, celebrate and taste what makes Cedar Rapids so unique.
I graduated magna cum laude from Wartburg College with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Theatre. I currently reside in Waverly, with my husband Thad, our bouncing baby boy, Hagen, and dog Mozart.
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Marketing & Research Associate
“Working with downtown business owners is a treat because they have an unparalleled passion for being a part of this growing neighborhood. Together, we’re creating a unique downtown experience that our community can enjoy and celebrate for years to come.”
As a native of Cedar Rapids, Downtown has become my place of learning, creating and staying active as a young professional, and in my personal joys. Whether I’m communicating with downtown business owners on development and niche programming, collecting information regarding our properties, building and tenants, or creating the newest collateral pieces that show off our upcoming events and programming, everyday is a learning experience for me. I’m a firm believer that a vibrant downtown begins and ends with people who believe in it, and I’m thrilled to be a part of an organization that can see downtown for all that it can be. In our downtown, the possibilities are endless.
My husband, Nick, and I were recently married on July 3, 2010 and are enjoying the wedded life by spending time with family and friends, by attempting to cook together, and getting settled in our new digs on the SW side of town. I stay actively involved in the Cedar Rapids community by volunteering for the Willis Dady Emergency Shelter and Gems of Hope, by instructing classes at Farrell's Extreme Body Shaping, and I look forward to being a board member for ImpactCR beginning in September of 2010.
I attended the University of Northern Iowa of Cedar Falls, Iowa, where I earned my B.A. in Public Relations with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Prior to graduation, I was a summer intern at the Downtown District, igniting my interest in downtown development, and being an proactive member of this community.
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Maintenance Coordinator
Dennis joined the Downtown District staff as Maintenance Coordinator in March 2009, after 22 years with the University of Iowa. Dennis is responsible for the maintenance of downtown, including preventative maintenance, service request response, horticulture activities and event-related tasks. In his position, Dennis often works collaboratively with Downtown District and City of Cedar Rapids staff to ensure that all maintenance tasks are completed in a timely manner with an emphasis on superior customer service.
Dennis is happily married to his wife Jan and they have four children. Dennis’ interests include collecting farm and garden tractors, antiques and landscaping. Dennis was born and raised on a farm in Johnson County, Iowa.
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