IOWA 500: Meet Okpara Rice, chief executive officer of Tanager

The list includes leaders representing 14 categories, which we believe reflect the scope of business sectors in our state. Okpara Rice’s profile introduced the Nonprofits category.

When Okpara Rice accepted the role of chief executive officer at Tanager Place, he wasn’t just stepping into a position — he was continuing the organization’s legacy, becoming the first African American to lead the organization in its 140-year history.

“I knew coming into this position that it was a meaningful representation to the community,” Mr Rice said. “But I always tell people that I’m the least important person [at Tanager]… We all have a role to play. No one person’s role is more important than anybody else’s.”

A native of Chicago, Illinois, and a seasoned social work professional, Mr. Rice has spent more than a decade leading Tanager and expanding its resources for the children and families of Linn County.

His journey to Cedar Rapids began with a clear sense of mission. After earning his Bachelor of Science in social work from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Rice honed his leadership skills at several institutions. Previously, he has worked at the Jewish Child Care Association in New York, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Illinois, and Starr Columbus in Ohio. These experiences, combined with his certifications in executive management from Georgetown University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, prepared him for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Mr. Rice called the decision to move to Iowa a “no brainer,” despite never having visited the state before.

“It was an easy decision to become a part of Tanager, an organization that has a long standing history in this community,” he said. “We have an amazing board, amazing team, amazing donors and support in the community.”

Since joining Tanager Place in 2013 as executive director and transitioning to CEO in 2015, Mr. Rice has overseen significant growth of the nonprofit organization. Under his leadership, the organization’s budget expanded from $13.5 million to more than $20 million, reflecting a steady and deliberate approach to meeting the evolving needs of the community.

He emphasized that this growth is mission-driven, “We don’t chase contracts; we pursue work that aligns with our purpose,” he said.

Tanager Place’s mission to support children and families through mental health treatment, harm prevention, and outreach has remained steadfast since its founding in 1879. Today, the organization’s programs encompass behavioral health clinics, community-based services, and initiatives like Camp Tanager, which serves hundreds of children annually. Mr. Rice’s tenure has been marked by capital improvements and program innovations, including an $8 million renovation of the camp and the establishment of a new crisis stabilization home, among other projects.

Still, Mr. Rice said his biggest accomplishment at Tanager has been changing its workplace culture, after assuming his leadership position.

“It was very hard to come in after somebody who had three decades of really great leadership and to say, ‘Hey, this is the way these decisions were made before. This is what these decisions have to look like today,’” Mr. Rice said, referring to his predecessor, George Estle. “If I think about any type of accomplishment, it was our ability as an organization to pivot and to go into an area where there was a lot of unknown, and to trust that we’re going to get there.”

During his tenure Mr. Rice has shifted Tanager Place to a more outward-facing community partner. He encourages his team to engage with the community, building collaborative relationships.

“We are at a lot of tables, lending our expertise,” Mr. Rice said, underscoring the importance of integration and representation in the broader community.

Mr. Rice’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of Tanager Place. His advocacy has earned him seats on numerous boards and advisory committees, including Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Children’s System State Board. He also made history as the first African American board president of the Association of Children’s Residential Centers and the First African American chair of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

In addition to his professional accolades, Mr. Rice remains deeply grounded in his family and personal values. He and his wife, Julie, a teacher, live in Marion with their two sons, Malcolm and Dylan. A devoted father, Mr. Rice prioritizes attending his children’s activities and cherishes family travel during the summers.

“Being a dad has always been incredibly important to me,” he said, a sentiment reflected in his commitment to fostering work-life balance for himself and his team.

Mr. Rice’s vision for leadership is, above all, empathetic and views his role primarily as a facilitator. 

“My job is to help clear obstacles out of the way and make sure people have the resources they need to do the work, but they do the important work. That’s not me,” he said.

Looking to the future, Mr. Rice remains focused on Tanager Place’s core mission while adapting to new challenges. Whether through expanding programs, engaging in policy discussions, or mentoring future leaders, he continues to embody a commitment to creating pathways for others to follow.

His advice for other leaders: “Open doors for people to walk in behind you.”