The Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors (HEDCO) has announced Liz Mathis will transition from contract coordinator to the organization’s first full-time executive director, effective Jan. 1.
Ms. Mathis has served as a contract coordinator for HEDCO since November 2023.
The appointment marks a strategic shift for HEDCO, which was founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(6) but had not previously employed a dedicated full-time director.
“What began as a coordination role has demonstrated the value of dedicated leadership for our economic development efforts,” said Heidi Sands, incoming HEDCO board chair. “The board unanimously agreed that Liz’s proven track record and deep commitment to Hiawatha’s economic future made this transition a natural next step.”
Since 2023, Ms. Mathis has coordinated outreach to more than 500 Hiawatha businesses and worked with the city on economic development efforts. She created an investment program and is launching a three-year strategic plan for the corporation.
The full-time position will allow for expanded programming, business attraction and retention efforts and community engagement initiatives planned for 2026 and beyond.
Ms. Mathis has a background in journalism, higher education, nonprofit work and elected office.
