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HIAWATHA — The Hiawatha Economic Development Corp. has tapped Liz Mathis to serve as the organization’s first executive director.

Mathis, who currently serves the organization as a contract coordinator, will assume the role on Jan. 1. In the new full-time position, Mathis will oversee HEDCO’s day-to-day operations around business attraction, retention and expansion.

Per a board announcement, the decision to elevate Mathis’ role was made after she “exceeded board expectations in advancing the organization's mission” since joining as a contract coordinator in November of 2023.

"What began as a coordination role has demonstrated the value of dedicated leadership for our economic development eff

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