Cedar Rapids exec to lead Iowa Innovation Council

The former chief of advanced manufacturing for Rockwell Collins has been named CEO of the new Iowa Innovation Corporation.

The council elected Jack Harris of Cedar Rapids president and CEO at its meeting last week, at which it completed its organizational process. Harris was director of advanced manufacturing for Rockwell Collins until his recent retirement.

In prepared remarks, Harris said the group is still defining its role within the state's economic development structure. He said the group has been provided by the Battelle Industry groups and Iowa Innovation Council, however, with the data it needs to expand and coordinate "the ecosystem that fosters the nurturing of good ideas into bankable ventures."

The Iowa General Assembly established the Iowa Innovation Corporation in 2010 to be the state's innovation catalyst. Although tied to the Iowa Innovation Council, the corporation is a independent company supporting growth of the economy through a combination of federal grants and private sector funding.

Feed Energy Co. president and CEO Robert Riley Jr. was elected chairman of the group and retired Wells Fargo Home Mortgage executive Cara Heiden was elected vice chair. North Iowa Area Community College Vice President Jamie Zanios was elected secretary and treasurer.

Earlier work by the Battelle Industry groups and the Iowa Innovation Council to secure funds to support strategic initiatives provided the Demonstration Fund and other initiatives that focus on start-ups, Harris said.

"We don't believe we have to recreate the wheel, but fine tune what was created in Chapter One of our efforts," Harris said. "We are also looking to other states with similar programs."