Uptown District in Cedar Rapids names executive director

Jerry Ziese has been named executive director of the Uptown District, a non-profit alliance working to revitalize the First Avenue corridor between 10th Street NE and 20th Street NE, including Wellington Heights, Moundview Neighborhood, Coe College and Mount Mercy University.

Ziese graduated from the University of Texas. He then spent more than four years overseas before earning his advanced degree from the University of Nebraska.

In 1992, Ziese began working for Merchant National Bank until it was bought by US Bank in 2001. He left to work for Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, where he would eventually become the vice president of private banking and business development.

In addition to his work with the Uptown District, Ziese also serves as the chairman of SCORE, the chairman of the Cedar Rapids Veterans Commission and is on the Iowa State Extension Council.

Formed in 2007, the Uptown District is made up of businesses and institutions focused on creating a safe environment for area customers, encouraging re-development, developing strategies for revitalization, maintaining and beautifying the area, and recommending public improvements to city leaders.