IC Area Business Partnership CEO Kim Casko to resign in May

Kim Casko, president and CEO of the Iowa City Area Business Partnership (ICABP), will leave the organization, effective May 12. Serving in the position since 2016, Ms. Casko described the decision as "very difficult and emotional" and said she would not be applying for the CEO position of a merged Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) and ICABP entity, set to formally join by July 1. "I'm extremely excited about the possibilities we will create with this merger and our collective teams are stronger than ever," she said in a statement. "However, I have personal matters that have become more important to address – one being burnout that has impacted my physical and mental health and the other being a parent in New York who has cancer. I plan to spend the summer back east to focus on these two things." "I am proud of the work our current team, ICABP alumni, committees, partners and board members have done – especially over the past few years to get our organization and community through the pandemic and to a strong place," she added. "The merged entity will need leadership with fresh energy and vision to take our work to the next level. Ensuring a successful merger and leadership transition is my focus for the remainder of my time with the business partnership." ICAD Interim President Tom Banta wished her well in future endeavors. "I want to thank Kim for her commitment to this work over the past six years," he said. "The business partnership made significant strides in that time, and we look forward to building upon the strengths of the organization as we move forward. I wish Kim all the best as she embarks on her next chapter. She will be missed."

Merger update

As ICAD and the ICABP prepare to operate under one organizational structure, progress is being made to make that goal a reality. Board chairs prepared a job description for the CEO role of a merged entity. Listed responsibilites include leading a strategic planning process, building strong relationships with stakeholders, local officials and the board of directors, evaluating how legislation can affect the business community and support the expansion of a vibrant innovative economic industry. Qualifications include an understanding of unique value propositions for cities in the region; experience in business retention and expansion, local or federal incentive packages and programs, and real estate development financing strategies; and government relations advocacy and fundrasing skills. A legal structure and potential board structures were presented as well. These structures will take effect in July, pending board vote approvals. The boards have heard from focus groups to better understand goals and challenges of members. ICABP Director of Operations Mary Willie will oversee day-to-day activities and members of the ICABP, but a permanent CEO will not be hired since a search is already underway for a CEO of the two merged business organizations. In November, the ICABP and ICAD formally approved a resolution to merge by July 1. A new organizational name, along with a transitional plan, will be voted on later this spring under a Merger Advisory Council. Former ICAD President Kate Moreland resigned from her position at the time of the announcement to focus on her efforts with Better Together 2030 All In Vision and her independent venture called Kate Moreland Coaching. ICAD and ICABP leaders said operating under one organization made sense from a logistical and economic development standpoint, particularly when confronting workforce challenges that plague businesses. “When COVID-19 first hit, we had two or three staff people researching information independently and sending out information to the same stakeholders,” Ms. Casko said in an interview with the CBJ with other leaders in November. “That was a big ‘aha’ moment for us.” The two organizations first considered merging in 2018 under a six-month study called Project Penguin, but ultimately deciding at the time it was best to remain separate.