Cedar Rapids History Center names new executive director

The board of directors of the Carl & Mary Koehler History Center in Cedar Rapids did not have to look far in its search for a permanent executive director.

Jason Wright has served as interim executive director for more than two months. He previously was vice president for development at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

'Jason showed dynamic enthusiasm for the History Center from the first day,” Board Chairman Adam Ebert said in a news release announcing the appointment.

'That energy, combined with quality leadership, has invigorated every aspect of our identity. It was the logical conclusion to ask Jason to take the position full time.”

Wright came to Cedar Rapids in 2003 and served as the executive director of the Cedar Rapids Symphony - now Orchestra Iowa - for four and a half years.

At the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Wright was instrumental in the capital campaign that raised $27 million, exceeding the $25 million goal by 10 percent. Other goals achieved during his tenure with the museum included seeing the organization's endowment grow from $1.8 million to $7.1 million, doubling the annual fund dollars raised, doubling the membership in the Legacy Society, and increasing general membership by 31 percent.

The History Center has sold the building housing its museum at First Avenue and Sixth Street SE in downtown Cedar Rapids. It has purchased the Douglas Mansion on Second Avenue at Eighth Street SE and will move into the facility after renovations are completed.