Jennifar Bassett has been hired as the new program manager of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District, officials announced Monday, Dec. 18.
Ms. Bassett will begin her new position Jan. 2, 2024. She will be responsible for carrying out projects and programs approved by the Downtown SSMID (Self-Sustainable Municipal Improvement District) Commission, regularly meet with downtown business and property owners, and lead the downtown maintenance team through all seasonal changes.
“Jennifar is a great match for the exciting and dynamic times we are encountering in our downtown,” said James Klein, President of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust and Chair of the Downtown SSMID. “Jennifar has extensive experience working with people of various backgrounds and industries which will allow her to quickly assimilate to the role. She will be able to develop and maintain strong relationships with our downtown businesses and execute on programs, projects and initiatives set out by the Downtown SSMID. I am confident that Jennifar will lead us to great heights downtown.”
A native of Cedar Rapids, Ms. Bassett is an alumna of Washington High School and pursued her education at the University of Iowa and later the University of Arizona Global Campus. With a diverse professional background that includes leadership positions in construction, maintenance and information technology industries, she has also acquired multiple certifications and licenses, including Personal Leadership Certification, Iowa Life and Health Insurance License, Web3/Blockchain Certifications, and a Pilates Certification.
She has over two decades of management experience, leading diverse teams and successfully executing projects of varying scales.
“I believe that Jennifar’s history and perspective growing up in Cedar Rapids, combined with her time spent in a variety of cities throughout the United States, will serve the Downtown SSMID well,” said Ted Kepros, Founder and CEO of Kepros Physical Therapy & Performance and Vice Chair of the Downtown SSMID. “In addition, her leadership and experience working with contractors, civic leaders, and project management provide a unique subset of skills that will be necessary as we implement our strategic plan towards making Cedar Rapids a destination of choice.”
The city’s most recent Downtown District program manager, Jesse Thoeming, stepped down from the role, effective Oct. 6, to pursue other opportunities.
