ICAD Group names Nolte interim president

IOWA CITY -- Mark Nolte has been appointed interim president for the Iowa City Area Development Group by the group's board of directors.  The directors voted on the decision Wednesday.

Nolte will replace Joe Raso, who announced his resignation from ICAD Group last week for a position in Colorado.  Nolte will work with Raso during the next five weeks, taking on further responsibility for the organization.

Scott Fisher, ICAD Group chairman, said the board is resolute in its support of Nolte and the ICAD Group staff during this transition.

“This entire organization has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to its clients, investors and programming, and we know we're in good hands,” Fisher said.  “Mark's experience and qualifications will help lead ICAD Group further toward its vision for the future.”

Nolte will retain his position as business development Director, and will represent the Iowa City area during business recruitment trips to New York and Atlanta during the next few months.

Additionally, he will continue his work on the co-working facility and entrepreneurial programming ICAD Group has pursued the last year and a half.

“We have a busy year ahead and I'm excited to serve in this role,” Nolte said.  “I look forward to continuing our work with our local and regional partners and implementing the goals set forth in our Vision 2030 case statement.”

Chuck Peters, incoming chairman for ICAD Group, thanked the board for their decisions on Wednesday.  “The board couldn't have been clearer: we have a good thing going and its best to keep moving forward,” Peters said. “ICAD Group has big ideas for the future and we are focusing on our core work and Vision 2030.”

Peters said the ICAD Group executive committee will recommend the best course of action regarding Raso's replacement.  “We will work on an optimal staffing plan to achieve the group's mission and Vision 2030 goals,” Peters added.

The Vision 2030 fundraising campaign, announced last month, outlines ICAD Group's program of work and goals in existing industry, business recruitment and workforce development for the next five years.

The plan also includes strategies for expanding partnerships and engaging investors.  Funding Solutions of Austin, Texas, is conducting the fundraising campaign.

A campaign kickoff breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, April 24, at hotelVetro.