Kim Casko resigning as head of Iowa City Area Business Partnership

IOWA CITY — Kim Casko, president and CEO of the Iowa City Area Business Partnership, announced Thursday she will be resigning, effective May 12.

In an email to members, Casko said burnout has impacted her physical and mental health. She also has a parent in New York who has cancer, and she plans to spend the summer focusing on these two things.

“This was a very difficult and emotional decision,” Casko said. “I am extremely excited about the possibilities we will create with this merger and our collective teams are stronger than ever.”

The merger between the Business Partnership and Iowa City Area Development Group was announced last year. The merger will give businesses access to the resources of both groups, a unified voice for the Iowa City business community and greater impact in addressing various challenges, officials from the two groups have said.

The organizations will merge by July 1, with focus groups now underway to identify goals and challenges, Casko said.

A job description for the new CEO/president role has been posted online. Casko said she will not be applying for the position.

“The merged entity will need leadership with fresh energy and vision to take our work to the next level,” Casko said. “Ensuring a successful merger and leadership transition is my focus for the remainder of my time with the Business Partnership.”

No one will be named interim president and CEO since the hiring for the position will be underway, Casko said. Mary Willie, the Business Partnership’s director of operations, is already managing daily activities and team members.

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