IOWA CITY — Nancy Bird, former executive director of the Iowa City Downtown District, has been named CEO of the newly merged Iowa City Location Improvement and Iowa City Organization Partnership.

“These are two fantastic organizations coming collectively,” Bird told The Gazette. “Leadership on each boards have worked collectively to bring the two collectively seamlessly — the group has a vibrant vision for the future — and I am definitely excited to get to operate with them.”

Boards of the two organizations voted in November to merge July 1 to superior concentrate on financial wants in the neighborhood, such as youngster care, workforce shortages and inexpensive housing.

Bird will begin in June and lead the two organizations by means of a rebranding and in implementing the bylaws and legal structure authorized by the two boards final November.

Robin Therme, chair of the merged board of directors, mentioned in a news release Thursday that the board is excited to bring Bird’s knowledge and talent to the new organization.

“Her broad knowledge in neighborhood improvement and her track record of executing a clear vision make her ideally equipped to meet the wants of this new organization,” Therme stated.

Adam Keune, former chair of the Iowa City Organization Partnership, echoed Therme, emphasizing his self-assurance in Bird’s capability to lead the new organization.

“As we embark on this thrilling new chapter as a combined organization, we have every single self-assurance in her capability to steer us toward development and heightened influence, furthering our attain and amplifying the good distinction we make in the Johnson County neighborhood,” Keune mentioned.

Bird, whose salary was not disclosed, led the Iowa City Downtown District for nearly a decade.

With her departure, the downtown district’s board appointed Betsy Potter, the existing inventive solutions director, as its new executive director.

Comments: 319-368-8877 liam.halawith@thegazette.com