HACAP CEO Jane Drapeaux to retire this year

HIAWATHA — The Hawkeye Area Community Action Program is in need of a new director in light of the impending departure of its longtime leader.

HACAP CEO Jane Drapeaux this week announced her intent to retire in December, rounding out a more than 20-year career at the Hiawatha-based community action agency. A search for her replacement is underway, per an announcement from the organization.

Her retirement marks “the end of an extraordinary career dedicated to service, leadership and creating local solutions,” the announcement says. “Under her leadership, the agency strengthened its programs to break down barriers and create opportunities … for thousands of families each year.”

HACAP provides a variety of services and programs to assist low-income individuals and families in east-central Iowa such as affordable housing, child care, food assistance and more.

Drapeaux has served as CEO since 2007 after first working as HACAP’s Head Start director. During her tenure, the organization expanded its core service area to nine counties and grew annual revenues to more than $60 million.

She has received several accolades for her work including the Robert F. Tyson Award — the highest honor awarded by the Iowa Community Action Association — and the Outstanding Community Leadership Award from The Gazette’s HER Women of Achievement program.

The search has already begun for her replacement, and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their cover letter and resume online via Corridor Careers.

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