About Us

Dennis Marks

City Manager

Dennis was born and raised in Hiawatha. After becoming police chief in 2007, Dennis has been in a unique position in his involvement with Hiawatha’s strategic planning. In 2022, Dennis stepped into the role of City Manager. With a vested interest in business success, Dennis plans to keep the momentum going for economic development, infrastructure, and fulfilling housing needs.

Liz Mathis

Economic Development Coordinator

Liz brings years of experience working on business growth and workforce development to her role as Economic Development Coordinator. She is a former broadcast journalist, retired non-profit leader and served 11 years as a state senator from Linn County. Liz was a legislative liaison for the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and was involved in an array of economic development policy. She currently serves on a small college board of regents and is a former bank board director. Liz is helping Hiawatha create a vibrant place for businesses and residents. Liz lives in Hiawatha and is committed to her community.

Emily Kaiser – Chair

Alliant Energy

Emily works as a Key Account Manager at Alliant Energy serving large C&I customers as well as communities in the 7-county, ICR Region. Emily also supports economic development projects and initiatives in those same communities. She has been with Alliant Energy since 2017 and prior to joining Alliant Energy she served as the Executive Director at Benton Development Group. She has a strong understanding that economic development looks unique in each community and works to support all those she serves where they at in their unique process and vision. Emily has served as a member of the HEDCO Board of Directors since 2017. In addition, she serves on several other local boards including the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, MEDCO, and the Benton Community School Board. She believes there is strength in each part of this vibrant region and works to make connections throughout.

Chad Pelley

Chad Pelley Co.

Since becoming a Professional Engineer in 2006, Chad has not only engineered countless developments, but has also been the brain-trust of numerous Corridor entities, ranging from residential to multi-family and commercial projects. His vast knowledge of municipal and governmental procedures has helped pave the way for dozens of high-profile ventures. His tireless work has created millions of dollars in tax revenue and economic growth throughout the corridor, with millions more to come. HEDCO is in the business of helping retailers, employers, employees, residents, and all those in between, come together in a thriving community and create magic. I love seeing and being part of a group like HEDCO where the results of all the hard work and partnerships is evident all around the City.

Rusty Smith

Farmers State Bank

Rusty graduated from Kennedy High School and then continued his education at Kirkwood Community College where he graduated with his Associate’s degree in Banking and Finance. He began his banking career with Farmers State Bank in 2002 as a Teller at the Hiawatha office. From there, he has steadily and successfully climbed the corporate ladder in the roles of Personal Banker, Consumer Lender and, currently, in the role of Commercial Lender. Rusty and his wife Kara have two children, Trace and Hayden. In his spare time, Rusty enjoys fishing, golfing, biking, and watching Hawkeye sports. Rusty also likes volunteering at many FSB sponsored events.

Kari Graber

Hiawatha City Clerk

Kari began her career in city government in April of 2014 as the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Hiawatha. In March of 2019 the Hiawatha City Council appointed her as the City Clerk and she remains in that position presently. Kari received her Certified Municipal Clerk designation in November 2018 from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and is currently working on completing her Master Municipal Clerk designation. She assists HEDCO with preparing and maintaining documents including but not limited to: agendas, minutes and financial documents. She also assists in coordinating HEDCO meetings including: communication, distributing agendas, scheduling meetings, attending meetings and recording minutes. Kari is a 2005 graduate of Mount Mercy University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Business Administration and Criminal Justice. Kari and her husband Justin call Cedar Rapids home, along with their two daughters Audrina and Mila and Diesel the Pomeranian.

Mark Parmenter

Lederer Weston Craig, PLC

I have lived in Hiawatha since 2004. I am an attorney in Cedar Rapids and have served as Assistant City Attorney and City Attorney for the City of Hiawatha since 2003. I was asked to join HEDCO as a Board Members in 2018. Since that time, I have had the honor of working with the other Board Members and City Staff. The other Board Members and City Staff are dedicated to HEDCO’s mission of promoting and attracting Hiawatha businesses. HEDCO is not just about economic development; HEDCO is also about building long-term relationships with people and businesses. I served as HEDCO’s Co-Chair in 2020 and as Chair in 2021, I had the opportunity to lead this talented group of volunteers and participate in the City’s State of the City Address. HEDCO and its mission is yet another reason to live in Hiawatha and be active in its ongoing development and growth.

Pat Callanan

Hawkeye Communication

Pat is a life-long resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has been in the sales and business world for over 30 years. In 2006 Pat and his wife Kara purchased Fandel Alarm with the idea of expanding it’s services to include many more low voltage and life safety solutions. Hawkeye Communication was added to the name to encompass the idea that intergration of these services was a key vision and component of the business. Pat’s passion of providing life-safety solutions to customers throughout Eastern Iowa and build a great company with great people and provide exceptional results has been his focus and goal since purchasing the business 16 years ago. Pat and his wife have 3 children, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law, and 5 beautiful grandchildren. Outside of work Pat enjoys spending time with his family and friends, working in the yard, and traveling.

Melissa White

Balanced Fitness and Health

Melissa White, Occupational Therapist and owner of Balanced Fitness & Health has been a strong advocate of the Hiawatha business community since opening her Physical & Occupational Therapy Clinic in 2015. Her desire to reach out to other local businesses connected her to HEDCO, and her involvement has helped her grow her client base and expand her business. Melissa pays it forward by helping other businesses connect with each other and with the resources they need to be successful. She has embraced the small community and appreciates the ongoing support from other Hiawatha business owners.

Kirk Hayden

Metro Studios

Kirk brings to HEDCO, 35 years in this community, with an emphasis on helping companies market their products and services as an Owner of Metro Studios, a Hiawatha based marketing and advertising agency. Metro Studios has been serving the high-end marketing needs of companies in Eastern Iowa and across the US from right here in the Metro area for over 37 years, with 22 of those years being right here in Hiawatha. Kirk has been a member of the Hedco Board of Directors for 8 years and leads our marketing efforts in telling our great Hiawatha Businesses success stories, as well as helping Hedco communicate the great things happening in the Hiawatha area. Outside of work, Kirk spends time in various Volunteer organizations, giving back time to charitable causes in the Metro area, as well as spending time with his wife and adult children, traveling, pretending to be a DIY’er and rooting for his beloved Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Tyler McCarville

Kirkwood Community College

Tyler McCarville is the Manager of Job Training Programs at Kirkwood Community College. In his role, Tyler educates Kirkwood’s seven county region regarding the available funding options that the college manages on behalf of the State of Iowa. These programs include the Iowa New Jobs Training Program (260E), Accelerated Career Education (260G) and Workforce Training and Economic Development (WTED). As a board member of HEDCO, Tyler’s role at Kirkwood is strengthened by being at the forefront of what the organization is doing, especially as it relates to 260E. Over the years, millions of training dollars have been disbursed to the Hiawatha area and it would not be possible without the partnership between HEDCO and the college.

Heidi Sands – Vice Chair

Hawkeye Electric

Heidi Sands has been a part of the Hiawatha community for several years. She is currently the Human Resources & Safety Director at Hawkeye Electric. Prior to coming on board at Hawkeye Electric, Heidi enjoyed her role as the Assistant Vice President at Hiawatha Bank & Trust. Throughout her time working in the area, she has witnessed the growth of the city and the opportunities that are available. Heidi enjoys traveling with her husband, attending the Cedar Rapids Kernels games, spending time with her nephews, and is an avid Hawkeye fan.

Steve Dodson

Mayor of Hiawatha

My family and I have lived in Hiawatha since 1999. I retired from Mercy Medical Center and I am a US Army veteran. My first experience with Hiawatha government came when I was asked to be on the Comprehensive Plan 2036 committee as a citizen. In 2016, I was appointed to the Board of Adjustment for Hiawatha. Later that fall, I ran for city council and was elected. In 2021 I was re-elected to the city council. During my council time, I am the liaison for the Hiawatha Water Board, board member of the Linn County Crime Stoppers, and served on many committees including the city’s investment committee. I also was selected to serve on the United States Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC).

Nic Canfield

CCB Packaging

Nic is currently the Director of Business Development at CCB Packaging, Inc., previously serving in roles as an outside salesman, Production and Operations Planning and most recently Director of Supply Chain. Nis currently serves on the Board of Directors at CCB Packaging, Premier Staffing and HEDCO. Having served multiple roles within CCB Packaging, one of Hiawatha’s largest employers, he brings a unique perspective to the HEDCO Board. Nic was born and raised in the Cedar Rapids area, attending Xavier High School and the University of Iowa. Nic and his wife Abby currently call Robins home, along with their two dogs Stella and Ivy. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, hunting and cheering on the Hawkeyes and Cubs.

CJ Kleene

Back In Line Chiropractic

I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, attended the University of Iowa, and later graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. I married my high school sweet heart Tyler in 2007 and moved to Hiawatha/Cedar Rapids in 2009. I have two wonderful children—a daughter, Porter (2012), and a son Cooper (2015). I opened Back in Line Family Chiropractic & Wellness in 2009. Over the years our clinic has grown to a total of 4 providers with a variety services focused on evidence-based pain relief solutions, pregnancy and pediatric care, to functional medicine and lab testing and analysis. Being a part of the Hiawatha community is something that has been near and dear to my heart. Our family is a true Corridor transplant with no family local. We have gained and incredible group of close friends and a community wonderful people in our lives. Hiawatha has been a huge part of our success and we are thankful for how HEDCO and local officials have embraced our newly placed roots to quickly and eagerly so it only seemed natural to serve on the board.

Hassan Igram

Cedar Graphics

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Hassan Igram is the eldest of 6 siblings from immigrant parents. Although his father Charles came to the United States with his mother at the age of 2. Being the oldest son, Hassan was expected to be the caretaker of his siblings while his parents worked the late hours required in the restaurant business. After high school, Hassan attended the University of Iowa and the University of Wisconsin. He bought his father’s printing business in 1983 and shortly thereafter took on partners who infused cash and provided valuable business acumen to help grow the business. In September of 1989, after incorporating a new name of Cedar Graphics, Hassan bought his partners shares and moved the operation to the Stamats Communications in house printing facility in downtown Cedar Rapids which Cedar purchased in December of 1990. That purchase provided Cedar with employee expertise and experience which was desperately needed in order to provide the highest possible quality and service to the growing customer base. While operating in the Stamats facility, plans were drawn up to build a state of the art facility in Hiawatha. The building was completed in April of 1993 and the move was completed within a month. An addition to the building was build in 1996, making the total square footage 3X that of the Stamats building. “One of the best things we ever did in our history, was making the move to Hiawatha. The city welcomed us with open arms and it has been a great relationship ever since we moved here”, notes Hassan. Currently Cedar Graphics management team comprises of Salma Igram, CEO/CFO, Hassan and son Humza who is President. Hassan and Salma have 4 children and 20 great grandchildren. Needless to say there are few idle moments in the Igram family.

Tyler Wright

Dave Wright Nissan

Tyler Wright is the General Manager at Dave Wright Nissan Subaru and has been with the company since 2015. He strives to create a great workplace that is passionate about creating solutions. Dave Wright Nissan Subaru has been awarded the ‘Automotive News Best Dealership to Work For’ 10 times. Tyler attended college at Northwood University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Marketing and Management. While at Northwood, he was on the Dean’s List for academics as well as played football. He has lived in the greater Cedar Rapids area since moving here in 2005 and attended Xavier High School. Tyler has and is involved with various charities and organizations in the community and is committed to the continued growth of the community.

Ben Fiedler

Hiawatha City Council Member

Ben has been a resident of Hiawatha since 2017; however, he has spent the majority of his life in this area. Ben has been a member of the Hiawatha Board of Adjustments, Friends of Hiawatha Parks and Rec Foundation, Fire Station 2 steering committee. My candidacy for Hiawatha City Council was inspired by a deep appreciation for the accomplishments of previous councils, many of whose members were retiring. In recognizing the need for continuity, I felt compelled to step into this role. With a passion for community service developed through involvement in local committees and volunteering, I am dedicated to enhancing community engagement. My overarching goal is to inspire a greater sense of connection among Hiawatha residents and ensure that the City Council reflects the diverse voices within our community.

Your Hiawatha Business Advocates