HEDCO taps Liz Mathis as first executive director

HIAWATHA — The Hiawatha Economic Development Corp. has tapped Liz Mathis to serve as the organization’s first executive director.

Mathis, who currently serves the organization as a contract coordinator, will assume the role on Jan. 1. In the new full-time position, Mathis will oversee HEDCO’s day-to-day operations around business attraction, retention and expansion.

Per a board announcement, the decision to elevate Mathis’ role was made after she “exceeded board expectations in advancing the organization's mission” since joining as a contract coordinator in November of 2023.

"What began as a coordination role has demonstrated the value of dedicated leadership for our economic development efforts," incoming HEDCO Board Chair Heidi Sands said in a written statement. "The board unanimously agreed that Liz’s proven track record and deep commitment to Hiawatha's economic future made this transition a natural next step.”

HEDCO was founded in 2011 but has not previously employed a dedicated full-time director. The statement says this step marks a “strategic evolution” for the organization that will allow for expanded programming and deeper community engagement initiatives.

Mathis is a former broadcast journalist and a retired Four Oaks executive. She was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and served until 2022. Since joining HEDCO, she has created a dedicated investment program and is now launching a three-year strategic plan for the corporation.

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