JULIET ABDEL NAMED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
June 30, 2025 | Economic Alliance News
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Policy Board has named Juliet Abdel as president and chief executive officer, effective July 28, 2025. Abdel will fill the role held by Doug Neumann who announced his resignation after 19 years of service to the Economic Alliance, and the past nine as executive director. In her new role, Abdel will serve as the top officer of the organization, responsible for all administrative and management functions while executing the mission of the Economic Alliance: to drive economic, workforce, and population growth strategies, and to help businesses succeed.
Abdel comes to the Economic Alliance from the Greater Topeka Partnership in the capital city of Kansas, where she is currently president of the Greater Topeka Chamber and senior vice president of the Partnership. The Partnership is an umbrella organization that includes the Chamber, Visit Topeka (convention and visitors bureau), GO Topeka (public-private economic development affiliate), and Downtown Topeka.
Juliet Abdel brings over 15 years of staff and executive leadership experience from chambers of commerce and other organizations. Prior to her position in Topeka, she was the president & CEO of the Westminster (CO) Chamber of Commerce and earlier was chief operating officer of the Oklahoma Trucking Association. Previously Abdel served as senior vice president & chief operations officer for the Stillwater (OK) Chamber and worked as a legislative aide for the Oklahoma Legislature while completing her master’s degree in international studies. She also has an undergraduate degree in business administration with both degrees from Oklahoma State University. Abdel earned the designation of Certified Chamber Executive from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Anne Parmley, Chair of the Economic Alliance Policy Board, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative effort behind the appointment: “We are deeply grateful to the search committee and key stakeholders for their dedication and thoughtful engagement throughout this process. Their commitment ensured a thorough and inclusive search, and we are thrilled to have reached a unanimous decision in welcoming Juliet to lead the Economic Alliance.”
In accepting the role, Juliet Abdel shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am excited and honored to join the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance,” Abdel said. “Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa with regional partners and unlimited potential. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and stakeholders to proactively engage with businesses of all sizes during a time of notable growth in our community and region.”
The Economic Alliance Policy Board retained Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm, and Patti Seda, Seda Consulting to lead the recruitment and succession planning efforts. Together, they worked closely with a board-designated search committee led by Policy Board Chair Anne Parmley.
About the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is a 1,200-member strong nonprofit organization dedicated to driving economic, workforce, and population growth strategies across the region. As a unique blend of chamber of commerce, economic development, and community development, the Economic Alliance serves as a resource for businesses and residents alike. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, the Economic Alliance champions business success and regional prosperity through advocacy, workforce initiatives, and signature community events, including the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market and Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week.