The Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) has appointed four new members to its board of directors: Torri Freese, Rob Wenzel, Rod Hanssen and Supervisor Sami Scheetz.
Ms. Freese serves as key account manager II at Alliant Energy in Cedar Rapids. She previously spent 13 years at Dupaco Credit Union, where she was assistant vice president and branch manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sales and marketing, and serves on the boards of Freedom Festival and Clayton County Economic Development and Tourism. Freese lives in Cedar Rapids.
Mr. Wenzel owns Novak Heating & Air, which he purchased in 2022. He joined the company in 2009 as a commercial estimator and project manager. A Clinton native, Wenzel began his HVAC career as a sheet metal apprentice in 2002.
Mr. Hanssen serves as vice president and co-owner of Premier Staffing, headquartered in Hiawatha. He has more than 25 years of experience at CCB and Premier Staffing, including roles as human resources manager and distribution manager at CCB. He has led Premier Staffing’s operations since 2010.
Mr. Scheetz was appointed to the Linn County Board of Supervisors in April 2025, representing District 2. He previously served in the Iowa House. As a Teamsters Local 238 organizer, he worked on wages and collective bargaining rights. He holds a Georgetown University degree and lives in Cedar Rapids.
Four board members whose terms recently expired are Emily Kaiser of Alliant Energy, Nic Canfield of CCB Packaging, Melissa White of Balanced Fitness & Health and Dr. CJ Kleene of Back in Line Chiropractic & Wellness.
HEDCO’s 2026 executive leadership will include Heidi Sand of Hawkeye Electric as chair, Rusty Smith of Farmers State Bank as vice chair and Tyler Wright of Dave Wright Auto Group as treasurer.
