Cedar Rapids names O'Hern new flood-recovery director

CEDAR RAPIDS - Joe O'Hern, the executive director of the Iowa Finance Authority for the last year under Gov. Chet Culver, will be the city's new flood-recovery director, the city announced on Monday.

O'Hern was hired by City Manager Jeff Pomeranz, who has added to the position's title. The new title is director of flood recovery and reinvestment.

O'Hern takes the place of Greg Eyerly, who left Feb. 11 to take a private-sector job with engineering firm HDR Inc. in Cedar Rapids.

O'Hern started today in the new position, which City Hall calls a three-year post. He will earn $116,563.

O'Hern has worked with the city on its flood recovery both in his most recent state position, director of the Iowa Finance Authority, and also as a deputy director at the Iowa Department of Economic Development.