Scott Wilson is leaving the Cedar Rapids Kernels – where he’s worked for 19 years, the last 14 years as general manager – to become the new executive director of the NewBo City Market.
The announcement was made Tuesday, Sept. 30 via a news release from the Kernels and a Facebook post from Mr. Wilson.
“This position will allow me the same community connections and an opportunity to grow them,” Mr. Wilson said on his Facebook page. “It is an awesome 501(c)(3) charity that focuses on small business entrepreneurs and the ability to host terrific events that bring the community together.”
Mr. Wilson starts his tenure with the market Oct. 13. He will replace Julie Parisi, who announced in August she was stepping down as NewBo City Market executive director after seven years.
Mr. Wilson also referenced the market’s “Next Level Local” expansion project, which is set to enhance the nearly 21,000-square-foot existing market and add nearly 9,000 square feet of new construction.
The project will add a second floor to the interior of the market’s Rotary Hall, and also includes balconies for outdoor patio space, a free coworking lounge, a podcast studio, a mental health therapy clinic, a family sanctuary, a food production kitchen, a grocery store and an indoor stage for live events.
There are also plans to open the market seven days per week once the expansion is complete.
Mr. Wilson said he expects the expansion to be completed by mid-2026.
“So much excitement ahead, and I look forward to working with the team there to make it happen,” he said.
Mr. Wilson said he has “loved every minute” of 19-year tenure with the Kernels.
“I will certainly miss the board, staff, fans, and the players I have had the opportunity to get to know,” he said. “Many great friendships were made on and off the field. I think it’s time for something different, that is less physical and gives me some of my summers back to spend more time with my family. Nineteen years is a long time in baseball, and I think I have seen it all: two floods, a pandemic that halted baseball for a year, a derecho, an MLB takeover, a major upgrade to meet the MLB standards, Mother Nature every day, a championship, and numerous Hall of Fame players. Thank you to everyone for allowing me this opportunity at the Kernels. You all have made my summers at the ballpark awesome!”
“We greatly appreciate the 19 years that Scott has dedicated to the Kernels,” said Cedar Rapids Ball Club board president Greg Churchill. “While we will miss Scott, we are excited for him to continue to make a positive impact on the Cedar Rapids community.”
