IOWA CITY — Nancy Bird, former executive director of the Iowa City Downtown District, has been named CEO of the newly merged Iowa City Region Improvement and Iowa City Small business Partnership.

“These are two wonderful organizations coming collectively,” Bird told The Gazette. “Leadership on each boards have worked collectively to bring the two collectively seamlessly — the group has a vibrant vision for the future — and I am actually excited to get to operate with them.”

Boards of the two organizations voted in November to merge July 1 to superior concentrate on financial wants in the neighborhood, like youngster care, workforce shortages and reasonably priced housing.

Bird will begin in June and lead the two organizations by way of a rebranding and in implementing the bylaws and legal structure authorized by the two boards final November.

Robin Therme, chair of the merged board of directors, stated in a news release Thursday that the board is excited to bring Bird’s knowledge and talent to the new organization.

“Her broad knowledge in neighborhood improvement and her track record of executing a clear vision make her ideally equipped to meet the wants of this new organization,” Therme stated.

Adam Keune, former chair of the Iowa City Small business Partnership, echoed Therme, emphasizing his self-assurance in Bird’s capability to lead the new organization.

“As we embark on this fascinating new chapter as a combined organization, we have each and every self-assurance in her capability to steer us toward development and heightened effect, furthering our attain and amplifying the optimistic distinction we make in the Johnson County neighborhood,” Keune stated.

Bird, whose salary was not disclosed, led the Iowa City Downtown District for virtually a decade.

With her departure, the downtown district’s board appointed Betsy Potter, the existing inventive solutions director, as its new executive director.

Comments: 319-368-8877 liam.halawith@thegazette.com