Neumann Announcement Starts Plan for Leadership Transition at Economic Alliance
February 12, 2025 | Economic Alliance News
Doug Neumann has given notice to the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance board of his intent to step back from leadership later this year. The Board has approved contracts with a national and a local firm to partner on a nationwide executive search for a new leader.
Neumann has served 19 years in various roles in the organization, including the last nine years as its executive director.
“The time is perfect for this organization and for me personally to hand the baton to the next leader to sustain and accelerate the momentum we have,” Neumann said. “I’m incredibly proud of the Economic Alliance Team, the ambitious goals and priorities that are in place and the solid foundation that 1,200 member businesses continue to provide.”
Anne Parmley, board chair of the Economic Alliance, said the Board expects a search could take about six months and that Neumann will continue in his leadership role during the search and until the leadership transition is complete. She noted the winning streak the area has been on lately with community projects and economic development makes the timing good for executing on a succession plan for one of just two Economic Alliance team members to have been with the organization since its inception.
“We’re blessed that Doug and his entire team have really positioned us to be doing this leadership transition from a position of strength and with an intentional and deliberate succession plan that ensures we have great leadership for our next chapter,” Parmley said. “We’ll rely on the continued support of the business community, and they should expect that we don’t miss a beat delivering on our promises of economic and workforce growth and initiatives to help businesses succeed.”
The Economic Alliance held its Annual Meeting on January 28, during which Parmley, Neumann and others highlighted the organization’s 2025 plans, including the 20th Season of the Downtown Farmers Market and an ambitious marketing campaign to attract workers to move to the Greater Cedar Rapids area.
“All our work continues full speed ahead,” Parmley said.
She added that the Board is equally open to a local leader who could fill the role or recruiting someone from elsewhere.
“It’s a big job, but it’s a rewarding job,” Parmley said. “The Economic Alliance is at the heart of so many community initiatives. I think we’ll have strong interest from people who want to lead in a community like we have here.”
At a local level, Patti Seda, of Seda Consulting, will engage with Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm with specific experience serving chambers and economic development organizations, and the search committee to identify key leadership characteristics and ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Neumann has played major roles in small business flood recovery, buy-local business campaigns, downtown development and numerous regional initiatives. He said this isn’t retirement for him but rather a chance to look for a role in which he can “have greater impact on fewer things and recapture a bit more time with my family and friends.”
“Working for the Economic Alliance and the people and businesses who make up this incredible organization has been profoundly fulfilling. Right now, I’m 100 percent focused on big initiatives we have on our plate. But there will be some time coming up soon to reflect on what we’ve been able to achieve – and the incredible memories with the incredible friends I’ve been blessed to work along side all these years,” he said.
For additional information and to inquire about applying for the position, please contact CedarRapids@Waverly-Partners.com. Updates on the search and FAQs can be found are available here.