Washington economic group hires new executive director

WASHINGTON - The board of directors for Washington County Economic Development announced

Friday, the selection of Mary Audia as the new executive director.

Audia takes the reins in earlyDecember.

'The WEDG board and other community leaders who participated in the hiring saw her entrepreneurial experiences and strong communication skills, to name a few, as strong suits she can bring into the position,” said Amanda Russell, president of the WEDG board of directors. 'We are excited to welcome her to Washington County.”

Audia fills the role previously held by David Collins, who died in July. Collins assumed the position of executive director on Dec. 5, 2018.

Audia, an Iowa native, has a bachelor's degree in business from University of Northern Iowa and a doctorate from Palmer College.

She has created, operated and then sold two of her own businesses which are still successfully operating today.

Audia has served on the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce board with emphasis on public policy and advocacy areas. She worked with Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and Cedar Rapids administrators and community business leaders to help plan, organize and implement the annual IC chamber's Corridor Day at the Capitol Event for more than a decade.

She has leadership experience in presiding over board meetings, strategic planning and fiscal management, and she optimized statewide membership market share by understanding trends, developing strategic partnerships and working closely with existing businesses.

'Wow ... so many hidden gems in Washington County and such an eye-opening experience,” said Audia, describing her impression of the community as she completed a guided tour of the current economic development projects.

'There's so much going for the people and industries of this community,” Audia said. 'The community pride and friendly people are obvious from the moment you set foot in town square.”

Audia's first order of business in Washington County will be bringing people together, identifying opportunities and finding solutions while collaborating with the local chambers of commerce and downtown districts.

With countywide input, she expects to create a plan of work that will be 'challenging, yet achievable.” Her priorities will be retaining and growing existing businesses, attracting new business, workforce development and continuing the work in progress on quality-of-life issues like housing, affordable day care and schools.

'We will continue to be a place where people want to move for quality of life, economic growth and prosperity,” Audia said. 'Washington County has a lot going for it.”