2024 Employee Service Awards

EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

Celebrating service and dedication to the City of Cedar Rapids 2024

CITY EXECUTIVE TEAM

CITY MANAGER

Jeff Pomeranz City Manager

Phillip Platz Communications

Angie Charipar A ssistant City Manager

Amanda Grieder A ssistant to the City Manager CITY

Vanessa Chavez City Attorney

Alissa Van Sloten City Clerk

Kevin Ciabatti Building Services

Jennifer Pratt Community Development & Planning

Bill Micheel E conomic & Development Services

Abhi Deshpande Finance

Chief Greg Smith Fire

Rachelle Stewart Human Resources

Shawn Smith I nformation Technology

Hashim Taylor Parks & Recreation

Chief David Dostal Police

Brenna Fall Public Works Roy Hesemann Utilities

Cedar Rapids, a vibrant urban hometown — a beacon for people and businesses invested in building a greater community now and for the next generation.

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

As we celebrate the 14th annual Employee Service Awards, we congratulate the more than 200 team members who have dedicated their professional lives in service to Cedar Rapids. It is my pleasure to thank each of you for your individual service to our community.

This year’s honorees represent 2,850 years of combined service, with anniversaries marking between 5 and 45 years of dedication to the City of Cedar Rapids. I would like to thank each of you for your service and commitment to the City of Cedar Rapids.

Together with the City Council, the Executive Team, and leaders in every department, it is my pleasure to honor all our employees who have reached significant milestones in their career. It is very important to take this opportunity to celebrate the work we do together to build a better community and provide a safe, healthy environment for the next generation.

Thank you for all the work you do for your team and the Cedar Rapids community.

Sincerely,

Jeff Pomeranz City Manager

OUR FORM OF GOVERNMENT

In our Council-Manager form of government, community members are at the top of the organizational chart. Voters elect the Mayor and City Council, who set policies, approve the budget, and determine the tax rate.

The Mayor and City Council work part-time and appoint a full-time City Manager to carry out the policies it establishes. The City Manager oversees the administrative operations of our city government. With the help of Department Directors and staff, the City Manager is tasked with bringing Council policy decisions to life in the day-to-day workings of our city.

The City Council also appoints the City Attorney, City Clerk, and hundreds of community members who serve on various boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. These groups play a vital role in developing, implementing, and reviewing public policy for the City Council, influencing decisions that shape our community and protecting and stewarding the City’s assets.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Cedar

FROM THE MAYOR

On behalf of the City Council, I am thrilled to recognize the many dedicated individuals who have been at the heart of our City’s progress for so many years. Your commitment to Cedar Rapids is remarkable.

You have not only shaped the physical landscape of our city, you have also touched the lives of countless residents, creating a sense of belonging that is at the heart of Cedar Rapids. It is your work that keeps our City running and creates an environment where all residents can feel heard, valued, and connected. Thank you for your part in building a community where we can mean it when we say, “Welcome is Our Language.”

We extend our gratitude to each one of you for your remarkable service. Thank you for your exceptional work and continued dedication to our community.

Sincerely,

Tiffany O’Donnell Mayor

CITY COUNCIL

Tyler Olson At Large

Ann Poe At Large

David Maier At Large

Martin Hoeger District 1

Scott Overland District 2

Dale Todd District 3

Scott Olson District 4

Ashley Vanorny District 5

EMPLOYEE

Jeremiah Andrews

Auto Equipment Mechanic II

Fleet Maintenance

MANAGER COMMENTS

Jeremiah’s expertise with John Deere tractors keeps the division running smoothly with minimal downtime. He handles all challenges, from fire trucks to garbage trucks, focusing on results. Jeremiah has rebuilt water pumps for WPC and made various improvements on fleet vehicles. His dedication and attention to detail has kept the fleet garage running smoothly.

Ann Baker

Purchasing Agent I

Finance

Macy Borngraeber

Water Quality Chemist II

Utilities

Taylor Burgin

Public Works Construction Mgr

Public Works

Engineering

Amy Cannon

A dministrative Assistant

Community Development & Planning

Ann demonstrates great customer service to both internal and external clients. She has a desire to continually learn different and more complex procurements and is working toward her national procurement certification. Thank you for all you do!

Macy joined as a Chemist I and was promoted to Chemist II in May 2023. She is the go-to resource for metals analysis, supporting both Water Treatment and Wastewater plants. Macy leads the Lab Maintenance Program and is part of the Lab Leadership Team. She is a supportive colleague, providing coaching and insight to her peers. Congratulations and thank you for your contributions to the lab and City.

Taylor is an incredible asset to the City team.  His working knowledge of the construction industry, focus on consistency and fairness, and commitment to a healthy organization make him a powerful leader in Public Works. Thank you for your hard work and service to our community!

A big thank you to Amy Cannon! Early in her career, she overcame challenges during the pandemic and Derecho recovery, showing adaptability and problem-solving skills. Amy consistently takes pride in delivering high-quality customer service and helps position City staff for success. She also continues to develop her skills and recently stepped up to assist with the Support Staff Seminars. Amy is a valuable member of our team and cares deeply about the City organization and our community.

Kent Christen

Criminal Intelligence

Data Analyst

Police

Meredith Crawford

Community Engagement

Librarian

Library

Bradley Day

Police Officer

Police

Susan Deaton

B udget Analyst III

Finance

Analysis

Justin Deitrich

Process Operator

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Kent is a great asset. As an intelligence analyst, he works with everyone in the department. He provides valuable information related to crime trends for patrol and intelligence related information to the investigative unit. He is knowledgeable in navigating social media which is very helpful and assisting with downloaded computer media as well as generating yearly criminal statistics reports that are provided to the public and allow us to adjust our efforts in lowering crime in the city.

Meredith goes above and beyond for every library patron — ensuring that their visit to the library is memorable and enjoyable. She is steadfast and reliable, a forward-thinker, and someone who improves the day of everyone around her.

Officer Day is assigned to the SW District where he brings strengths to the team in communitybased policing, traffic enforcement, business checks, and park patrols. He is a diligent worker with a community-first approach and is a valued member of the Mid Shift team. Since being assigned to uniform patrol, he has taken on several additional responsibilities, such as less lethal certification and UTV. He is one of the newest pilots of our drone operations program.

Susan consistently handles complex tasks, providing solid analytical reviews and recommendations. She stays up-to-date with changes, becoming an expert in her field. Known for her attention to detail and high-quality work, she has built strong relationships with her departments and the Finance team. Susan collaborates effectively, looking for opportunities to “find a way.” With a knack for simplifying financial information for others, she is a trusted leader whose contributions are invaluable to the City.

Justin Deitrich has been a cornerstone of his operations shift. With decades of experience in multiple positions and other municipalities, Justin holds a Grade Four certification in wastewater, a rare achievement in the field. He is always willing to help his fellow operators and train the next generation of our team. Justin is highly respected by his peers and managers.

Chris DeLarm

Auto Equipment Mechanic II

Fleet Maintenance

Sean Dietrich

Firefighter (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

Jessica Duffy

Patron Services Specialist

Library

David Dyckman

Police Officer

Police

Jen Eilers

Programming Librarian

Library

Emily Even

Police Officer

Police

Chris eagerly takes on new repairs. He has been especially valuable in taking on street sweeper repairs by rebuilding front ends and fixing hydraulic leaks. He keeps Solid Waste trucks operational and performs preventive maintenance on other fleet vehicles.

Sean is a valued team member at Fire Station 9, known for his deep knowledge of the response area and being ready to take on each day. His expertise in Emergency Medical Services and as a skilled paramedic, paired with his pleasant, kind, and dependable nature, makes him an integral part of the team.

Jessica’s compassion shines in challenging situations. Her ability to navigate difficulties sets a high standard for what the library can achieve. Thank you for your service to your community and the library!

We are proud to celebrate Officer Dyckman’s dedicated service. His commitment to keeping the community safe and secure is commendable, earning him the respect of both his coworkers and the community. We are grateful for his service and look forward to his continued contributions to the department and community.

Jen’s vision for the future is a driving force in the continual reimagining of the work of her department. She is creative and dedicated, and just willing to get things done. There is no problem that Jen isn’t willing to tackle head-on, and make sure that the library provides the very best for every patron.

Officer Even brings a great attitude and strong engagement to her patrol work. As a member of Bike Patrol, Crises Intervention Team, and the Mobile Field Force, she positively influences colleagues. She is engaged at work and very outgoing, making her an effective officer. Her contributions as Field Training Officer positively influences rookie officers, helping them develop their own style. Congratulations on your service achievement!

Iola Feldkamp

O ccupational Health Coord

Safety

Seth Fisher

Firefighter (Shift)

Paramedic - Specialist

Fire

Kim Franks

A dministrative Assistant

Parks & Recreation

Recreation

Sampurna Ghosh

Patron Services Specialist Library

We are delighted to recognize Iola’s exceptional service. As the primary point of contact for employees who are injured, Iola consistently demonstrates a profound level of care and understanding, guiding employees through challenging situations with compassion and professionalism. Her attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, ensuring that all processes are handled efficiently and with precision. Iola is a committed employee whose empathetic approach makes her an asset. Thank you, Iola!

Seth has covered all stations throughout the city and is known for his positive energy and can-do attitude, making him a valued team member at stations and during emergencies. His drive and determination have led to him regularly filling the role of Acting Captain, a great accomplishment in his first five years. A military veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps, Seth holds special technical certifications in swift water rescue and rope rescue in addition to his experience as a paramedic. He is also a member of the Iowa Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue Team. Seth has a great future in the fire service ahead of him!

Kim has been an invaluable asset to our department and City team. Always ready to help wherever and whenever needed, she supports multiple areas of our department, showing a true passion for parks and recreation and the impact we can have on the community. This passion is evident in her planning and support for our annual “Back 2 School Bash” and through her dedication and legendary customer service, benefiting both the public and her colleagues. Her team-player mentality, dedication, and commitment ensure everyone has what they need to do their work at a high level. We are proud to have her on the team.

Sampurna is a joy to work with and has grown in confidence, becoming a valued member of the Library team. Thank you for your service, and cheers to more years of working together!

Justin Gibbs

Firefighter (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

Andrew Gleason

Auto Equipment Mechanic II

Fleet Maintenance

Brandon Grieder

Firefighter (Shift)

Fire

Chris Hennessy

Police Officer

Police

Kurtis Herb

S ewer Maintenance Worker II

Public Works

Sewer Operations

Christopher Hettinger

Police Officer

Police

Amy Icenbice

Permit Coordinator

Development Services

Justin is a passionate firefighter, always eager to learn and improve both himself and the department. His strong work ethic is contagious across the various disciplines in which he works, keeping the team motivated and focused.

Andrew has quickly mastered operating and maintaining various types of equipment, making him a key asset to the Fleet team. His positivity, hard work, and readiness to help others are greatly appreciated.

Brandon is a great communicator and problem solver with extensive fire service experience. He takes pride in his work, knows his response district well, and consistently provides excellent support to his crew. Brandon has a bright future at the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

Chris is a positive and hardworking officer who serves the community with enthusiasm. As a leader on his shift and a dedicated member of the Honor Guard, he is always read to help and committed to making Cedar Rapids a safer, better community.

Kurtis brings a “let’s get it done” attitude and consistently drives success in everything he does. Thank you for always being a highly engaged team member.

Officer Hettinger is a key member of the patrol division and Special Response Team, where he responds to high-risk conditions and search warrants. He is proactive and patient in every situation, leading with a positive attitude and considerate demeanor when responding to calls. A leader on the overnight shift, he is a crucial asset to the department.

Amy is a valuable member of the team. She joined our team taking initiative in learning zoning and permitting processes while we transitioned to a new zoning code and understands the ins and outs of permitting. She teams up with coworkers and is always finding a way to assist residents. She has helped train new employees, improved department processes, and embraces changing responsibilities as our team evolves. Her contributions are highly valued and we look forward to continuing to work with Amy as the team continues to grow.

Damian Klinkenberg

Patron Services

Specialist

Library

Carson Kuntz

Streets Maintenance Worker II

Public Works

Street Operations

Trevor Levins

Firefighter (Shift)

Paramedic - Specialist

Fire

Doug Loney

Transit Driver

Transit

Cody Mace

L ead Animal Control Officer

Police

Animal Control

Samuel Maresh

Police Officer

Police

Damian moved his way up from Patron Service Associate to Specialist and is known for his patience and enormous technical knowledge. These attributes help him excel in Library patron services. He seamlessly adapted to changes during the pandemic, when he joined the team, and continues to be an invaluable Library employee.

Carson is a valuable member of the Streets team, focused in the NW quadrant. He leads maintenance crews and can be counted on to haul materials, operate plow equipment, and assist in all technical aspects of the division. He pays close attention to detail, completing work thoroughly and contributing to the team’s success.

Trevor brings a wealth of firefighting experience beyond his five years with the City. His selfdriven dedication and hard work earn him respect from peers. He raises the level of service of the crews with which he works.

Doug is an asset to transit, known for his dependability and quick adaptability to any challenge. His contributions to the safety committee positively impact all drivers and his customer service is exceptional. We are fortunate to have him on our team.

We promoted Officer Mace to Lead Animal Control Officer last year. He is a hero to both staff and animals and continues to amaze others with the new ideas he brings to our operations. He has served numerous search warrants throughout his time with the department, running thousands of calls each year. His dedication and leadership encourages the team to keep moving forward. His attention to detail on court cases is unparalleled. Hundreds of abused and mistreated animals have found great homes thanks to Officer Mace’s integrity, advocacy, and tireless service.

Officer Maresh serves in the patrol division on the overnight shift and is trained in using the License Plate Reader (LPR). He focuses on arresting individuals with warrants and recovering stolen vehicles with a proactive approach. He is also a defensive tactics and taser instructor, training new officers and providing department-wide, in-service training. Officer Maresh consistently brings a positive attitude and sense of humor to work.

Will McArtor

Firefighter (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

Jonathon McDowell

Police Officer

Police

Michael McFarlane

Firefighter (Shift) Advanced EMT - Specialist

Fire

Travis Minshall

B uilding Inspector

Building Services

Skylar Mullins

Police Officer

Police

Stefanie PK. Munsterman

Civil Rights Director

Civil Rights

Will recently joined our team, after four years with the police department. While the PD team won the Guns-N-Hoses hockey trophy this year, having Will with us is a big win for the Fire Department. His quick learning and dedication have been impressive, earning his Paramedic certification in his first year and completing the probationary period. Will’s positive attitude and eagerness to learn have made him a valuable addition to our team.

Officer McDowell has worked on patrol and as a School Resource Officer at Jefferson. He enjoys his role on the overnight shift and is known for his hard work, knowledge, and dedication to serving the Cedar Rapids community.

Michael has quickly become a great asset and firefighter. He is skilled with our aerial truck and heavy rescue vehicle and is a member of the Hazmat, Rope Rescue, and Confined Space teams. With his knowledge and mechanical aptitude, he can fill many roles and has recently taken on the Acting Captain role when needed. Whatever is asked of him, Michael performs well and with a great attitude. His performance makes him a valuable team member and excellent colleague.

Travis brought nearly three decades of building industry experience to his role. His vast knowledge and problem-solving skills are invaluable for our customers, especially in framing expertise. He was a star performer during the Derecho, helping with hundreds of damaged properties. Travis is a true team player and an essential part of our team.

Officer Mullins works in the Community Service Division with the Police Community Action Team. He is also a member of the Special Response Team. He is a true team player, working hard every day to make Cedar Rapids a safer place.

Stefanie has been with the Civil Rights Office for five years. In her role as Director, she directs the operations and activities of the Civil Rights Office to support the mission of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission to promote and protect equality under the law.

Rick Newland

Forestry Supervisor

Parks & Recreation

Forestry

Derek Nunemaker

S ewer Maintenance Worker II

Public Works

Sewer Operations

Cody Oberfoell

Firefighter (Shift)

Paramedic - Specialist

Fire

Zach Parker

S ystems Analyst

Information Technology

Jacob Paulsen

Police Officer

Police

Rick is a valuable member of the Forestry team. He puts safety top of mind at all times by constantly reviewing and updating SOPs and processes. Rick cultivates partnerships throughout the City, eager to lend a hand to any group or project in need. From nuisance mitigation to helping with special events like building the Pride Parade float, his forwardthinking approach and willingness to seek solutions exemplify the City’s core values. He seeks out other staff and outside resources, bringing needed input to resolve challenges.

Derek is known for his positive attitude and ability to make challenging tasks easier. Thank you for being a dedicated team player!

Cody brought extensive experience and professionalism to the City from his work with another fire department. His expertise, knowledge, skills, and abilities have positively impacted our team and the community. Cody plays a key role in training new firefighters and has significantly contributed to the development of the department’s next generation. Thank you for your service!

Zach is a valued Systems Analyst. He supports various departments with his expertise in Enterprise Applications support across a wide variety of needs, including the City website and Elements/My CR — a critical tool in providing enhanced service to our residents. During the pandemic and Derecho, Zach implemented a Zoom solution for City Council meetings, ensuring continuity of this important function. He is highly regarded for his perseverance and dedication to customer support. Congratulations on your service anniversary!

During his first five years at the department, Officer Paulsen has consistently worked hard to serve Cedar Rapids. Currently in the Patrol Division, he has been an asset across various platoons. Officer Paulsen is always ready to assist his colleagues and strives for personal improvement. It has been a pleasure working with him. We look forward to his future achievements.

Ryan Perkins

Water Maintenance

Repair Worker II

Utilities

Water Operations

Mark Persons

C ivil Engineering

Construction Inspector

Public Works

Engineering

Brady Petersen

Firefighter (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

Kylie Petersen

Public Works Coordinator

Public Works

Street Operations

Taylor Pfiffner

Police Officer

Police

Chad Prenatt

E nvironmental Service Worker

Facilities Maintenance Service

Ryan’s friendly and open demeanor boosts morale in the Water Maintenance Team. He is always ready to lend a hand or provide insight on job tasks. On his days away from the job, his absence is noticeably felt, highlighting his value to the team.

Mark has made significant contributions to the construction inspection team, consistently going above and beyond his duties. We appreciate all of Mark’s hard work and dedication.

Brady is assigned to Station 7 where he serves as the station’s paramedic. He offers a versatility and flexibility that has contributed in various ways, including oversight of the department’s ladder truck, ensuring it is properly maintained and carefully operated. He is also bringing his skillset to assisting the EMS Chief with our new cardiac monitor technology. Brady is a dependable team member with a passion for his role and strong problem-solving abilities.

Despite being with the City for only five years, Kylie’s extensive knowledge and organization exceed her time with the City. Her dedication and pursuit of excellence contributes to the department’s high level of professionalism and success. Kylie never settles or accepts “good” as “good enough.”

Taylor’s service has focused primarily in the Patrol Division. He recently joined the Police Community Action Team in the Community Services Division, where he has already made significant contributions. As a Defensive Tactics instructor, Taylor makes a positive impact by supporting both academy and in-service training needs. He is hardworking, maintains a positive attitude, and is a pleasure to work with.

Chad plays a vital role in ensuring our facilities remain safe and secure. His essential functions vary from plowing and salting in the winter to ensuring that lifesaving equipment, like fire extinguishers, exit lights, and defibrillators, are always in top condition. He also conducts overnight security checks and manages maintenance tasks at multiple facilities, keeping wash bays and fuel islands clean and operational as an example. We appreciate Chad’s commitment and many contributions. Congratulations!

Alex Rink

P

olice Officer

Police

Officer Rink has contributed as a member of the K9 Unit, Special Response Team, and recently as a Driving Instructor. His high performance and strong work ethic have earned him recognition, including as Employee of the Quarter at the end of 2023 for he and his K9 partner Elo’s noticeable impact with contraband seizures and arrests. We are grateful to have him on our team.

Martin Rounds

Firefighter (Shift)

Fire

Martin is a dedicated firefighter involved in the Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue, and Urban Search & Rescue teams. He also leads the Peer Support team, addressing mental health challenges within Public Safety. He has made a significant impact on Cedar Rapids, showing genuine care for his colleagues. Martin’s fastearned trust in his short time with us speaks volumes about his character. Clearly, he is an extremely valuable member of our team.

Cade Saeugling

S ewer Maintenance Worker II

Public Works

Sewer Operations

Casey Schares

Firefighter (Shift)

Fire

Cade is a hardworking and ambitious member of the sewer team. His upbeat attitude, hard work ethic, job knowledge, and eagerness to learn make him fun to be around and a valuable asset to the department. We look forward to his continued contributions and are excited to see what the future holds. Thank you for all your contributions!

Casey is a dedicated firefighter/EMT at Station 9, bringing 25 years of experience from the Cedar Falls Fire Department. His skill and commitment contribute significantly to making Cedar Rapids a great place to live and work. Casey excels as a driver-operator and provides valuable insight on the department’s safety committee. He is conscientious and his perspective and experience are an asset to the team.

Stephanie Schrader

Community Services Coordinator

Community

Development & Planning

Brad Sherman

Parks & Recreation

Construction Coordinator

Parks & Recreation

Parks Operation

Zach Simmen

Water Plant Operator I

Utilities

Water Operations

Todd Simonson

Public Services Manager

Library

Dustin Stewart

Control Coordinator &

Inventory Superintendent

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Stephanie’s work to engage volunteers has encouraged citizen involvement — both with the City and throughout the community. Her efforts have built up the Municipal Volunteer Program, which provides residents with opportunities to assist their neighbors through initiatives like Snow Buddies and to support City departments such as the Library and Parks & Recreation in delivering community services. She has teamed up with colleagues across the City to develop annual events like the Healthiest State Walk and Ride the Districts bike ride, further fostering community interaction and pride. Through her work with the Public Art Commission and by implementing our Public Art Plan, Stephanie has helped bring both large and small murals to the City, including Together We Bloom and Fist Bump. She is also committed to executing the maintenance plan for the City’s art collection, ensuring it can be enjoyed by Cedar Rapidians for generations to come.

Brad’s talent and dependability greatly benefit our department. Known for his hard work and problem-solving skills, he played a key role in preparing the 12th Avenue Dog Park under tight deadlines to lay sod amidst unfavorable weather. Brad’s expertise in construction projects and his innovative approach enhance efficiency within the department and make others seek out his advice. He is always ready to do whatever it takes to get the work done with his “make it happen” attitude and innovative solutions.

Zach excels at identifying issues and providing solutions for the Water Plant team. He continuously learns and adapts as new equipment and systems are introduced. Thank you for your contributions as part of B Team, Zach!

Todd cares deeply about our residents and it shows every day through his thoughtful and welcoming approach at the library. His kindness and efforts to go out of his way ensures everyone feels welcome.

Dustin is an asset to WPC. His skills and knowledge enhance the division, where he has taken on new responsibilities and excelled in this position, enhancing his team.

Rachelle Stewart

Human Resources Director

Human Resources

Zach Stout

Patron Services Specialist

Library

Patrick Taylor

Transit Driver

Transit

Lane Thole

Water System

Maintenance Repair I

Utilities

Water Operations

Terry Tiedemann

Utilities Engineer IV

Utilities

Water Operations

Rachelle is a dedicated and exceptional Director. Her ability to relate to employees in a sensitive manner goes far in supporting our employees. She has successfully built an outstanding team of supportive individuals, earning the trust and respect of her colleagues. Her HR expertise has made her a tremendous asset, with employees across departments frequently seeking her out for advice and assistance. Rachelle has built strong relationships with union employees and is known for her innovative solutions, including saving the City millions of dollars by rebuilding our pharmacy program. As City Manager, I greatly value Rachelle’s counsel on employee matters. Her contributions continue to have a lasting impact on our organization.

Zach continues to be a positive light at the Library, always seeing the best in those he meets every day. Five years has gone by so quickly; let’s pause and admire the work that you have accomplished! Thank you so much for your service to your community.

Patrick’s positive attitude and open-mindedness foster productive discussions and healthy conflict resolution, even when opinions differ. We appreciate his contributions to the team.

Lane joined the Water Distribution team in February 2023 and quickly became a valuable asset, bringing extensive concrete knowledge from Public Works. He has become proficient in the repair, replacement, and maintenance of water mains, valves, and fire hydrants — making him a valuable part of the team while he works to earn his DNR Grade 1 distribution license.

Terry came to the Utilities Engineering team in June 2023 after serving five years in Public Works. He also brings extensive experience to the City from past work with engineering consulting firms. His expertise in engineering design and review, particularly for below-grade sewer and water mains, is invaluable. Terry is also a dedicated mentor to our younger engineers. Congratulations and thank you for your contributions!

Matt Troendle

Water System

Maintenance Repair I

Utilities

Water Operations

Kevin VonTayson

Customer Service

Representative

Utilities

Water Operations

Mindy Washburn

Public Works Coordinator

Public Works

Engineering

A’Alyiah Watkins

Police Officer

Police

Grant Weber

Athletics Coordinator

Parks & Recreation

Recreation

Matt brought strong concrete knowledge from his past work on the Public Works team. In his year with Water Distribution, he has already become an important and well-rounded member of the team. He has learned to repair and replace water mains, valves, and fire hydrants, and is cross-training in maintenance. Matt is working toward his DNR Grade 1 distribution license.

Kevin provides outstanding customer service in every interaction. His concern for helping people is genuine and his enthusiasm and sense of fun enhance the work environment.

Mindy is the perfect model of our organizational health values and continues to prove that determination and hard work pay off. Starting as an administrative assistant, she excelled and learned extensively from the Construction Coordinator. Now, we appreciate Mindy’s contributions in her new role with Construction Engineering and look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Officer Watkins is a dedicated member of the department. Her active community policing and consistent efforts to go above and beyond, taking time to listen and provide help and guidance to others when she can, reflect positively on the department and the City. Congratulations on your service award!

Grant is a key contributor to our department. His dedication and commitment to never settle has driven the growth of our youth sports programs. He is always pushing boundaries to offer more high-quality programs to the community. Grant is an ultimate team player — there isn’t anything you can ask of Grant with which he would not help. His positive attitude and ability to develop strong relationships with peers has helped to strengthen team dynamics and improve community life. He provides great guidance and support to our seasonal and part-time staff, furthering our ability to act efficiently as a team. His positive attitude and passion are contagious!

Mark Wild

Water Plant Operations Supervisor

Utilities

Water Operations

Jeff Wozencraft

Planner III

Community Development & Planning

Mark brought extensive knowledge from previous roles to his work with our Water Treatment team. His eagerness to assist and sense of humor have helped to build a fun work atmosphere. Mark is in a leadership position, where he helps train new and current operators to advance their knowledge in water treatment. He has made a strong impact within the City.

Jeff actively seeks ways to connect with our communiy members — collaborating with Neighborhood Associations to enhance engagement, assisting property owners in local historic districts to improve their homes, and working with residents and business owners during City plan development. He led the creation of the Westdale Area Action Plan and has increased his involvement in growth planning with other departments. Additionally, Jeff promotes staff problem-solving through his participation in InnovateCR and provides guidance to new planners in our department.

EMPLOYEE

Erica Bascom

Customer Service

Representative

Utilities

Water Operations

Loraine Bennett

Library Shelver

Library

Jason Blok

S ewer Main Worker III

Public Works

Sewer Operations

Amanda Bolton

A ccounts Payable Specialist

Finance

Financial Operations

Jacob Briley

Police Sergeant

Police

Jason Campbell

Firefighter (Shift)

Fire

MANAGER COMMENTS

Erica has great customer service skills and knowledge of our service shop and backflow program. Erica always goes that extra mile to help whenever needed. We are so grateful to have Erica as part of this team — you have made a meaningful, positive impact for our department and community!

Loraine Bennet cares a lot about the Library. She demonstrates this with consistent, quality work and a willingness to accept new responsibilities. Loraine is someone we really trust.

Jason has shown a willingness to take on new tasks and excels in whatever he does. Jason’s knowledge of the sewer infrastructure is a huge asset to our team. Thank you, Jason!

Amanda joined Accounts Payable from Treasury in 2021 and manages large tasks with ease. She brings a knowledgeable, reliable presence to our team. We have grown to rely on her analytical skills when complex issues come up. We’ve also seen her step up and provide invaluable assistance to co-workers when needed.

Sergeant Briley was recently selected to lead the Police Community Action Team following several years of proven leadership and guidance to the officers on his shift. His calm demeanor and sound decision-making skills make him an asset to the officers he supervises and a trusted peer to many. Sergeant Briley previously worked in the Criminal Investigations Division, is currently a firearms instructor, and a member of the department’s Special Response Team.

Jason is a steady hand who is always observing and learning. He accepts any task or challenge. He currently works at Station 3 on the City’s west side. He excels as a driver/operator and has filled the role of Acting Captain. Jason is an asset to our shift and the department!

Tara Carrera-Bauer

Programming Librarian Library

Anthony Clinton

Police Sergeant Police

Jake Corell

Firefighter (Shift) - Specialist Fire

Tara is a steadying and always-reliable presence with an abiding passion for early childhood literacy and learning. Willing to jump in on any project, she works to make sure all of her teammates have what they need to be successful. Tara is always seeking new avenues to impact our city’s youngest residents.

Sergeant Clinton’s leadership is respected and appreciated by officers and other commanders. He can always be counted on to make sound decisions. Sergeant Clinton previously worked in our Criminal Investigations Division, is currently a Field Training Officer supervisor on the evening shift, and is also a defensive tactics instructor.

Jake has excelled for several years and has become a valued leader in our department. He’s a member of our Confined Space, Trench Rescue and Swift Water Rescue teams. He’s the shift leader of the Rope Rescue team, providing instruction to others during training. Whether in the role of a senior firefighter or as Acting Captain, Jake brings a sense of calm while responding to emergency incidents. Jake is willing to ask difficult questions when healthy conflict is needed in order to properly address an issue. His honesty and common-sense approach are appreciated by his coworkers and the command staff.

Abby

Cornelison

Patron Services Specialist Library

Callie Crandall

Library Acquisitions Clerk Library

Mallory Daily

S enior Administrative Assistant Police

Abby is a community builder! She always has time for people and makes them feel important.  Abby’s co-workers feel she does a great job and are all thankful for the opportunity to do this work together.

Callie is such a great team member! We really value her calm, consistent personality and hard work here at the library. We’re lucky to have her.

Mallory is a valuable member of the Administrative Operations division. She brings talent and enthusiasm to work every day. She is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and capable of handling a large workload and multiple tasks. Mallory is always willing to help anyone and is delightful to be around. She is reliable, hard-working, and always brings a great attitude to work.

Doug Deaton

T

ransit Driver

Transit

Doug is very reliable and willing to help out. He brings a special energy to the Transit team and we can always count on him to keep the atmosphere lively. Whether it’s giving an energetic “Good morning, beautiful people!” to the morning crew — or bringing special treats during the holidays — Doug’s upbeat attitude, comedic relief, and thoughtful gestures make him an invaluable part of our team.

Neal Denison

H ousing Inspector

Building Services

Neal inspects rental properties on the SW side. He has a practical and humble approach that allows him to successfully resolve challenging complaints in his district, which includes many multiple-unit complexes. While he demonstrates humility and does not seek recognition, it did not go unnoticed when he helped a cancer patient struggling to move an item while he was on an inspection or stayed with children that were endangered because they were left alone. Like others in Code Enforcement, Neal understands there is often more than just the day-to-day components of performing the job that can have a profound impact on our community. In addition, Neal was instrumental in securing an instructor to provide personal safety and self-defense training to all Code Enforcement Division employees, a testament to his commitment to the Code Enforcement team.

Sara Derby

H ousing Inspector

Building Services

Sara inspects rental properties on the City’s NE side. She embodies teamwork, has superior customer service skills, and is detail orientated. Sara has raised the bar of professionalism within the Code Enforcement Division not only through her inspection work, but also through initiatives to create, modify, and improve rental inspection documents like registration forms, property-deletion forms, and unregistered rental notices. Sara has made a profound difference within both the organization and community, helping identify potential resources to address complex problems. An example is finding a professional pest control organization to provide training to staff and help for community members who may not have the financial means of addressing this public health concern. These relationships are the result of Sara being empathetic and seeing her position as a rental inspector as more than just a job.

Brian Gardemann

Transit Driver

Transit

Chelsea Gienger

Police Officer

Police

Sherri Hawkins

Police Records Supervisor

Police

Joe Heck

Transit Operations Clerk

Transit

Scott Hedeman

Transit Driver

Transit

Curtis Heinle

Transit Supervisor

Transit

Brian always keeps an eye out for process improvement and is very collaborative with management. This provides great opportunities for collaboration on executing new ideas.

Officer Gienger has immersed herself in a variety of specialties at the department. Now assigned to the Mental Health Team, she serves as a negotiator, field training officer, peer support team member, mobile field force member, and Crisis Intervention Team. This widespread wealth of knowledge and training has repeatedly built her reputation as a trusted and reliable police officer.

Sherri has taken on many roles at CRPD: accreditation, administrative duties, and as records supervisor. She is always willing to jump in and help where needed. Sherri is a talented employee who has shown leadership and initiative in every area that she has worked. She is the embodiment of the City’s core values and her efforts are highly appreciated. She is a vital part of the team and we are blessed to have her.

Joe spent several years as part of our Service Worker team, helping to keep our facilities and equipment in order. He has brought even greater value to our team as an Operations Clerk. Two of Joe’s greatest qualities are his calm and approachable demeanor, along with his consistent commitment to excellent customer service when serving our community.

Scott’s upbeat and positive attitude is on display when interacting with our customers. He’s always willing to give his best. We have witnessed many instances of his commitment to top-notch customer service.

Curtis is a dedicated and dependable supervisor for the Transit division. He can be counted on to get things done in a timely manner and he goes above and beyond to team up, find a way, and assist his co-workers.

Sandy Holtz

A ccounts Payable Specialist

Finance

Financial Operations

Nick Husman

S olid Waste Abatement Officer

Utilities

Solid Waste

Jesse Lennox

Firefighter (Shift)

Paramedic - Specialist

Fire

Ethan Lightner

Police Officer

Police

Bridget McMenomy

License Specialist

Clerk’s Office

Sandy started with the City in the Water Division before joining the Finance Department in 2023. After moving to the Accounts Payable team, she quickly advanced from accounts payable clerk to accounts payable specialist in her first year! We are surely benefitting from the knowledge she brought to us from her time with the Water team. Sandy brings a positive attitude and energetic presence to the team. Her supportive nature has been a tremendous help!

Nick has provided worthy service to the City, quickly moving through the ranks. His skills and experience made him a smart choice to serve as one of our trusted trainers. Nick is very personable and well respected among his peers.

Jesse came to the department with a wealth of knowledge in Emergency Medical Services — but no experience in firefighting. He has spent the last 10 years maintaining his EMS skills and pouring himself in to learning the trade of firefighting and rescue. Thanks to his dedication, Jesse has become a go-to instructor for search techniques and fire suppression. Jesse has an excellent sense of humor and is committed to the safety, health, and welfare of all his coworkers.

Officer Ethan Lightner is a dedicated, wellrounded patrol officer. His high level of motivatation and expertise is continuously honed through active membership on the Special Response Team. He often uses his knowledge to assist fellow officers on dangerous and complex scenes. Officer Lightner has shown himself to be a true asset on our shift with a bright future ahead.

We are fortunate to have Bridget as a part of the team! Her work with licensing and permitting in the office and assisting other departments has been invaluable. She has helped transform the Board & Commissions process, alongside the IT department, through technology which automates much of the process to connect the Clerk’s Office and other City departments. Her positivity, strong communication skills, dedication to her work, and willingness to be a team player contribute to the success of our office and the City.

Heather Meyer Boothby

Library Branch Manager

Library

Melissa Mitchell

Patron Services Specialist

Library

Hannah Myrom

ATE Coordinator

Police

Brett Pechota

Water Plant Electrician

Utilities

Water Operations

Marcus Quaas

S olid Waste & Recycling

Driver/Collector II

Utilities

Solid Waste

Andrew Roder

Firefighter (Shift) - Specialist

Fire

Heather is a tremendous asset for the library. Since starting here, she has received her MLIS degree and several promotions to her current role as Branch Manager at the Downtown Library. Heather is very community focused and has been an asset in the Public Service Department at the library where the work focuses on equity and access for all.

Melissa’s knowledge is exemplary. She always has a smile for people coming through the door and has made great relationships with regular patrons. She is friendly, patient, and has a good rapport with other staff, making her an ideal team member in our ever-changing environment. You can always count on her to have your back!

Hannah started her career with the City and SAFE-CR as a background check technician. She quickly proved her place, building an amazing foundation of experience and knowledge of the City and department. In 2019, Hannah became the automated traffic enforcement coordinator and has used her vast amount of knowledge of the position, the law, our City, and the State to positively serve our community. She is an invaluable asset to the department!

Brett is a dedicated employee who responds to issues during work hours and after-hours emergencies. He’s a great member of the maintenance group team and we’re looking forward to our next decade with him.

From day one, Marcus been a pleasure to work with and gets along with every one of his peers. Marcus understands our system so well that he was selected to be one of the trainers that could help others when our new route system was introduced last year. We are lucky to have Marcus.

Andrew is a hard-working, skillful firefighter who fills many roles on the team. He has a positive attitude and is active in managing our fitness program. His peers look to him as a leader in many aspects of the job and know he has their back.

Holly Ruble

Water Plant Operations

Specialist

Utilities

Water Operations

Dara Schmidt

Library Director

Library

Dave Schmidt

Streets Main Worker IV

Public Works

Street Operations

Tricia Semple

Patron Services Specialist

Library

Megan Wichmann

Firefighter (Shift)

Fire

Holly demonstrates the City’s three core values through her work by teaming up, finding a way, and serving enthusiastically to achieve goals. During her time here she has helped create outreach to our younger generation, educating them about water treatment and employment opportunities. She helps make chemical processes within water treatment more efficient, resulting in reduced costs.

Congratulations, Dara, on your remarkable decade of service as the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Your exceptional leadership has guided the library through challenges and led it to triumphs while consistently positioning it to meet the evolving needs of our community. Your commitment to building connections has strengthened Cedar Rapids and our neighboring communities. Your introduction of our library’s acclaimed advocacy toolkit has set a national standard now widely adopted by libraries nationwide. Your dedication to staff development, strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement is a testament to your deep commitment to the library’s mission. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for the positive impact you continue to make in the City of Cedar Rapids.

If you can safely navigate City streets after a snow storm, thank Dave. He’s a leader in the Streets division, helping crews with asphalt projects, maintenance work, and snow-season operations. He provides staff CDL and equipment training and readily shares his asphalt experience. Dave also serves the on the Public Works Safety Committee and Public Works Listening post.

Tricia’s work at the library has made Cedar Rapids a better, warmer, and more inviting place to be. She continues to be a light that guides our team to a more compassionate and understanding way. Thank you for your service and time to the community!

Megan regularly serves as acting company officer demonstrating her commitment to the department. She uses her skills daily to positively affect the City. Megan is passionate about public education and has spent time augmenting the department’s fire prevention bureau staff with its many outreach efforts. Megan works with our Juvenile Fire Setter program and is integral to the Fully Involved Women’s Fire Academy.

EMPLOYEE

Ron Abernathy

Streets Maintenance

Worker III

Public Works

Street Operations

MANAGER COMMENTS

Ron has many years of knowledge in maintenance and equipment operation. He spends much of his time maintaining Rightof-Way areas, ensuring that tall grass and weeds are under control. His deep knowledge of construction processes allows him to pivot quickly and fill in wherever needed. He is a Swiss army knife for our team, able to adapt and fix almost anything. He is a great person to bounce ideas with and shares honest feedback.

Marie Anderson

H CV Inspector

Community Development & Planning

Federal Programs

Tammy Augustine

H ousing Inspector

Building Services

Mike Barnhart

Police Officer Police

Marie exemplifies the City’s core values in every aspect of her work. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting our most vulnerable community members, especially those who are unhoused or displaced. We are grateful for Mary’s teamwork, enthusiasm, and advocacy.

Tammy’s strengths are numerous, particularly her ability to communicate effectively with rental property owners, tenants, and the community, sharing valuable education on our Housing Code. She is thorough, providing stellar documentation while maintaining a contagious “can-do” attitude. She understands the impact rental inspections make on providing occupant safety and neighborhood livability. Her work has likely saved lives in the past year, as she identified hundreds of missing or inoperable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. She has also helped pets in distress get needed aid. Her compassion and dedication to quality work are admirable.

Mike is a problem solver known for seeking longterm solutions. His ability to keep a level head in complex situations makes him a trusted leader among his peers. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his willingness to contribute ideas on improving policies, directives, and operations.

Josh Carter

P

olice Officer Police

Chris Carton

P

olice Officer Police

Amanda Collins-Hall

Police Records Tech Police

Grant Dancey

P & G Maintenance

Repair Worker II

Parks & Recreation

Parks Operation

Jeff Dean

Process Operator

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Officer Carter plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between the department and community through his work in the Community Outreach Division. He also serves as an instructor for the medical portion of the Cedar Rapids Regional Police Academy. As one of the department’s Police PALs, he excels at teaching safety topics to area youth. His professionalism and dedication make him a valuable asset to the department.

Officer Carton works on the tactical team, focused on locating and arresting violent offenders. His role often requires him to work varied hours to track wanted individuals. His career has also seen him working patrol and in various investigative positions. His dedication and drive are appreciated by, and beneficial to, the department and community.

Amanda is extremely valuable, dependable, and dedicated. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. Her ability to manage complex issues with ease sets a high standard for exceptional public service. Amanda was the recipient of the 2023 Chief’s Service Excellence Award. Congratulations, Amanda! We are fortunate to have you on our team.

Grant is a great employee to have on the Parks & Recreation team, lending his wealth and knowledge to NE-area parks. His expertise includes everything from forestry to greenhouse maintenance. Grant is always willing to lend a helping hand to fellow employees. He always finds a way to solve any problem and is a great team member.

Jeff is an exemplary operator, having mastered his area of the plant. He is always eager to share his expertise with fellow team members. His superior troubleshooting skills have helped resolve issues before they escalate, ensuring smooth operations at WPC. Jeff consistently displays high levels of esprit de corps and demonstrates the City’s core values.

Matt Gorman

Police Sergeant Police

Susan Heath

A dministrative Assistant

Public Works Engineering

Brian Heimer

Water Plant Maintenance Manager

Utilities Water Operations

Brad Helle

S olid Waste & Recycling

Driver/Collector II

Utilities

Solid Waste

Chris Hinrichs

A

dm District Chief/ Assistant Fire Marshal

Fire

Sergeant Gorman is a respected leader on the overnight shift, bringing tactical expertise to the Special Response Team and everyday calls for service. As a mentor to Field Training Officers, his work is instrumental in guiding the next generation of officers. He also leads the Peer Support Team, understanding the toll that job traumas can have on our employees’ mental health.  He has earned the respect of both the administration and front line officers.

Susan is an important member of the Engineering section, supporting projects as they prepare for bid and Council approval. Her attention to detail is evident in her thorough review of project documents, ensuring nothing is overlooked and our work maintains a high quality. Her dedication to Public Works, combined with her friendly and compassionate demeanor, make her an essential member of the team.

Brian has built an impressive career in the water treatment plants, having served in various roles including water treatment plant operator, shift supervisor, and now maintenance manager. His passion for treating people right is his compass in leading his team to excellence. He supports his crew by empowering them toward greatness and getting out of their way as they innovate to remove barriers in their daily work. These leadership skills are essential to the success of the operation of a treatment plant that is nearing 100 years old. Thank you for your dedication to the team, department, and community!

Brad is an adaptable and versatile employee who can fill any position. He has earned the respect of his peers and is a pleasure to work with. Brad’s ideas and contributions help the team succeed.

Chris began his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic and was promoted to Captain, serving primarily as the company officer at Station 6. Now District Chief/Assistant Fire Marshal, he has earned numerous certifications, including as a fire plans examiner and fire inspector. He excels at working with customers to ensure compliance and offers clear guidance on fire codes. Chris tackles work assignments and keeps the ever-steady stream of work moving along in our office. His positive attitude and sense of humor bring energy to our office, keeping things fun and interesting.

Rick Hoxworth

E quipment Mechanic

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Pat Hoyt

Fire Captain (Shift)

Fire

Andrew Huffman

Dispatcher

Joint Communications

Curt Johnson

E lectrician II

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Denise

King Filip

Code Enforcement Officer

Building Services

Rick’s dedicated service has had a tremendous impact on the community’s wellbeing and the WPC’s steady operations. His commitment to going above and beyond has improved our wastewater systems, which transport millions of gallons daily throughout the city and county. Rick’s dedication to public service and support of the City’s mission are greatly appreciated.

Pat is committed to improvement. As Captain located at Station 6, he takes pride and ownership in his district. Pat is an excellent teacher who effectively mentors new employees and engages others with his great sense of humor. He has dedicated his life to serving both our country and the City. I have no doubt he will continue to excel on the Cedar Rapids Fire Department team.

Andrew is an extremely reliable employee whose eagerness to assist whenever needed and exceptional customer service have made him a standout team member. His communication skills go far in serving the agencies we dispatch for, elevating the level of service we provide the community.

Curt is an asset to our electrical team. His meticulous attention to detail and safetyfirst approach make him a valuable part of the team. Congratulations on your service anniversary and thank you for your hard work!

Before her current role, Denise served as a demolition project coordinator and right-ofway permit technician, playing a crucial role in managing post-Flood of 2008 demolitions. As a Code Enforcement Officer, her organizational skills allow her to manage often detailed and complex Zoning Code cases in addition to Housing and Property Maintenance Code cases. Denise made history by assembling the City’s first successfully prosecuted Iowa Code 657A.10B Abandoned Property case, helping to mitigate a property that had been dilapidated since August 2016 and which was contributing to neighborhood blight with a large accumulation of junk and debris. Denise consistently volunteers for City projects and community-outreach events, demonstrating her commitment to making Cedar Rapids a better place.

Kurt Kroemer

Fire Captain (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

Kristin Laird

Transit Driver

Transit

Mike Lake

S olid Waste & Recycling Driver/Collector II

Utilities

Solid Waste

Lauri Latteyer

A dministrative Assistant

Utilities

Solid Waste

Stacy Mason

Project Coordinator, Operations

Fire

Kurt has been a dedicated and active Fire Department team member. He recently earned the rank of Captain at Station 9. He is actively involved with the department’s Honor Guard and is a founding member of the Cedar Rapids Firefighter Foundation, which has supported numerous nonprofits across Iowa. His commitment to both the City and its citizens demonstrates his drive to make a positive impact in the community.

Kristin and I have worked closely together over the years, developing a collaborative working relationship that has been instrumental in supporting the Transit team’s success. I don’t know where the last 15 years have gone. Congratulations!

Mike has spent most of his time on a recycling route, consistently demonstrating the ability to adapt to change while maintaining a positive attitude. We appreciate your service!

Lauri demonstrates exceptional dedication and a customer-service-minded approach. She is an invaluable asset to the team, consistently going above and beyond to meet the needs of both residents and colleagues. Her motivation and commitment enhance the workplace culture, setting a standard for excellence that inspires others.

Stacy’s impact on the Fire Department and City extends beyond her role. She is the glue of the Operations Division, managing essential tasks through hard work and dedication. As fiscal manager for the Iowa Task Force 1 Cedar Rapids division, she collaborates with the USAR Team Lead to set the budget and track grants that fund the team. Additionally, she coordinates financing and billing for Tier II and Confined Space fees, and manages personnel functions in our shift roster, ensuring accountability during emergency responses. Her involvement with the CR Care Committee, including events like the Employee Service Awards and Toys for Tots, demonstrates her team spirit. Most importantly, she is a joy to work with and makes the organization better through her service.

Mike McLaud

Welder-Auto Equipment

Mechanic II

Fleet Maintenance

Diana McLaughlin

S enior Payroll Specialist

Finance

Financial Operations

Shane Mell

Fire Captain (Shift)

Advanced EMT

Fire

Landon Merkle

Fire Captain (Shift) - Specialist

Fire

Chad Mittan

Treasury Manager

Finance

Financial Operations

Mike focuses in the small engine section of Fleet, maintaining mowers and Parks Department equipment. He has the ability to manufacture hard-to-find parts using his lathe skills. He is also an excellent welder, playing an important role in keeping the team running after another welder retired. His strong work ethic and diverse skillset have been invaluable. His ability to diagnose electrical issues and assist others ensures quick turnaround times.

Diana has been a trusted resource for her peers and all City departments, fostering an inclusive culture by building strong relationships. Beyond ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time, she is the lead for business travel and other mandatory reporting with government agencies. Thank you Diana for your hard work and dedication.

Shane joined our department from another area in the City, bringing valuable skills and knowledge. Over the years, he has grown and developed new expertise, helping shape our team. He is a key member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team and holds a leadership role on his team. Shane is also actively involved in the Special Operations program, with technician-level skills in hazardous materials, confined space, and rope and trench rescue.

Captain Merkle proudly serves Cedar Rapids, currently leading C Shift at Station 5. His commitment to training probationary firefighters has helped foster the next generation of our team. He also manages the department’s water rescue operations, enhancing the team’s ability to serve our community. Congratulations and thank you for your service!

Chad is integral to the Finance team, collaborating across all divisions. He has progressed from accounts payable specialist to accounts receivable manager, and in 2023, was promoted to treasury manager overseeing the City’s debt and revenue. His expertise ensures State compliance and effective management of the City’s financial portfolio. Congratulations on your years of service and thank you for your attention to detail, hard work, and dedication over the years!

Heidi Northland

P

olice Officer

Police

Wayne Parsons

S enior Systems

Support Technician

Information Technology

Information Technology

Caroline Pauli

C ity Traffic Engineer

Public Works

Traffic Engineering

Eric Radley

O perations Specialist

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Kevin Reed

O perations Supervisor

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Officer Northland is a valued member of the department, serving on the dayshift. She also serves on the crisis-negotiation team, which usually involves unstable, barricaded, and armed subjects. As a field training officer, she trains and evaluates new officers. She is not only diligent in her investigations, she is also empathetic with all she speaks with, both in the public and at the department. She is a trusted, hard-working officer who works to make Cedar Rapids a safer city and our department as effective as possible.

Wayne has been a dedicated member of the IT department. Wayne can be trusted for his consistent dedication to his work, ensuring he’s here each day, on time, and ready to go. In a past employee survey, Wayne was voted most likely to show up to work during a zombie attack or winter storm. His commitment was particularly evident during the recent CrowdStrike outage, where he helped restore City services swiftly. You can depend on Wayne to provide detailed and constructive feedback or to dive into the details when necessary. Thank you for your contributions, Wayne!

As the newest member of the Public Works leadership team, Cari is already making a significant impact. She is a strong leader and is invested in developing her team, providing quality services to the community, and positively influencing the culture within our department. Thank you for your commitment to the City!

Eric has been an essential part of the Water Pollution Control team, starting as a process operator and now serving as the solids handling specialist. He excels at troubleshooting and coordinating with the maintenance crew and contractors, playing a vital role in operating the facility.

Kevin began as a process operator and is now one of our shift supervisors, reflecting his dedication and capability in managing operations. He takes care of staff and ensures smooth functioning of the facility. Thanks, Kevin!

Todd Ritter

Streets Maintenance Worker II

Public Works

Street Operations

Megan Schillinger

A dministrative Assistant

Fire

Emily Shimp

Police Officer

Police

Antoine Smith

Police Officer

Police

Adam Tenney

Transit Driver

Transit

Todd began on our concrete crew and later transitioned to the SW Quadrant. He is always willing to take on new tasks and do whatever is needed to finish a project. During winter operations, Todd can be found battling Mother Nature in his snow plow; in the summer, you can find him assisting with hauling whatever is needed. Todd shows pride in his work and is a great team player!

Megan has been a wonderful part of our team. She is always helpful when questions and needs arise; her efforts keep workflows moving smoothly. Megan provides great service for both external and internal customers and takes her time to explain and clarify whenever questions or concerns arise. You can always stop by Megan’s desk to ask for help or share a humorous story. She is one of the people that make working at the Fire Department great.

Emily is an Investigator in the Sex Crimes Unit within the Criminal Investigations Division, focusing on adult and juvenile sex-abuse cases. She is a skilled investigator who is always willing to assist other officers and investigators with cases. Prior to being an investigator, Emily was a patrol officer and field training officer. She is a great asset to the City.

Officer Antoine has been a Cedar Rapids police officer, serving as a patrol officer and on the Police Community Action Team (PCAT). Currently on the overnight patrol shift, he is well-respected in the central beat and recognized by name, face, and reputation. His exemplary service has earned him two lifesaving awards and a Class B Medal of Honor. He has also been a member of the bomb squad for five years and is a lead drone instructor.

Adam is a humble, reliable, and dedicated employee who actively seeks feedback to maintain high-quality work. He consistently demonstrates a professional demeanor that makes him a respected team member.

Joel Upah

Process Operator

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Joel has spent nine of his 15 years with the City as a WPC operator. He does a wonderful job running the plant and making sure it is being operated correctly. He supports his colleagues as one of the more experienced team members. One thing I enjoy about working with Joel is his dedication to learning new things about the plant and furthering his knowledge in the field. Congrats, Joel — keep up the excellent work!

Doug Wilson

Paving for Progress

Program Manager

Public Works

Engineering

Since the City’s Paving for Progress program began in 2013, Doug has been its public face and a driving force. Under his leadership, the program has completed more than 320 street projects, improving 107 miles of roadway. Doug’s leadership has ensured a wide range of streets — from high profile to quiet, residential — could be improved in numbers never imagined. Doug and his team have also set the Department’s standard for project development by building and documenting the team’s start-to-finish method for public improvements. Thank you, Doug for dedicating your great work to Cedar Rapids’ unique and highly successful Paving for Progress program.

Mark Winkel

Water Plant Operator II

Utilities

Water Operations

Mark has navigated many changes and projects in the Water division, continuously growing alongside the two plants. He has trained numerous new hires and his contributions are crucial for providing safe drinking water to Cedar Rapids.

EMPLOYEE

Paul Bagby

Fire Captain (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

MANAGER COMMENTS

Paul has served the community with dedication. He is passionate about both the people he works with and the community he serves. His commitment to EMS instruction has allowed the department to benefit from his knowledge and experience. Paul’s commitment does not stop with the fire department but passes on his expertise to the surrounding hospitals and medical providers. Thank you for your service!

Daryl

Carson

B uilding Chief Inspector

Building Services

Scott Donohoe

Fire Captain (Shift)

Advanced EMT Specialist

Fire

Chemé Fairlie

B attalion Chief

Fire

Daryl started with us as a housing inspector and later joined the building inspection staff, where he has since led an exceptional career. He became a chief inspector in 2020 and has been a trusted leader and role model. His experience and knowledge give him exceptional problem-solving skills. Daryl is also a true team player who steps up on a daily basis to help his co-workers and customers. He worked tirelessly during the Derecho and was our go-to inspector to get things done during that time. Daryl, you make our department a better place to work. Thank you for your service!

It is a pleasure to have Captain Donohoe as part of our team. He has proven himself to be a capable and reliable firefighter. He performs well in his role as senior company officer. He is also an active member and technician on the Hazardous Materials Team and has served as logistics manager for the Iowa Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue Team, headquartered in Cedar Rapids. Congrats on this milestone!

Battalion Chief Fairlie started as a firefighter and progressed to captain, where she served on Engine 1 for many years. Most recently, she became the first woman promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief in our Fire Department’s history. Leadership must run in the family, as her aunt Emma Pulver and uncle John Pulver also held leadership roles in the department; Emma was a captain, and John was a battalion chief, both now retired. Fairlie is passionate about numbers and data, putting those skills to use as our data analyst for the accreditation process. Congratulations on your milestone!

Janeen Justice

Firefighter (Shift) Paramedic

Fire

Diane Muench

P

urchasing Services Manager

Purchasing Services

Purchasing Services

Brent Smith

A ssistant Fire Chief Fire

Janeen is a valuable member of our team. Whether on emergency scenes or working around the fire station, she gives maximum effort with a great attitude. She provides a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in Emergency Medical Services. As a paramedic, she offers excellent patient care with a great bedside manner. Janeen cares about her coworkers and customers and it is a pleasure to know and work with her.

Diane has made significant contributions to the Purchasing Services division. She began her career as a purchasing agent, and advanced to her current position which reflects her extensive knowledge and commitment. Her attention to detail and willingness to guide others through procurement processes is vital to the City and community. Thank you, Diane, for your dedication and being a valuable leader!

Assistant Chief Smith has demonstrated his dedication to the Fire Department through his drive, commitment to residents and visitors, and effective management of numerous projects. He previously served as the officer on Engine 1, where he trained and managed several firefighters, enhancing their knowledge and skills on the specialized apparatus. Smith has also long served as the program director for the State of Iowa Juvenile Fire Intervention Program in Cedar Rapids and as the regional coordinator for Iowa’s southeast region. Before his promotion to Assistant Chief, he served as a shift Battalion Chief and as Training Chief, where he played a key role in directing the Training Division and managing the last two Strategic Planning cycles. He recently conducted a needs assessment for potential fire station updates and currently serves as the Accreditation Manager. Thank you for your dedication and congratulations on your service anniversary!

EMPLOYEE

Jeremy Bauswell

C ivil Engineering

Construction Inspector

Public Works

Engineering

Don Berger

Construction Contract

Administrator

Utilities

Water Operations

MANAGER COMMENTS

Jeremy has held a couple of different positions within the City, starting with the survey crew before transitioning to construction inspector, excelling in both roles. We are very happy to have him on our team. Keep up the good work, Jeremy!

Don began his time with the City in preventative maintenance before moving to the Water Pollution Control Facility as a construction inspector. He has been a construction contract administrator for many years, managing both new and repair projects that require technical understanding across various construction trades. Don is the office expert in coatings applied to concrete and equipment surfaces, consistently delivering quality projects for both the water and wastewater utility plants. He has a problem-solving mindset and works well with design engineers, plant personnel, contractors, and coworkers to successfully resolve project challenges.

Michael Cheney

Fire Captain (Shift)

Fire

Justin DeMoss

P

olice Officer

Police

Matthew Denlinger

Police Officer

Police

Captain Cheney is no stranger to service, having served both our Department and his country. He has devoted significant time to the Hazmat team and, although he has passed the reins, remains a valuable resource and is always willing to assist wherever needed. Congrats and thank you!

Officer DeMoss is assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit, focusing on adult and juvenile sex abuse cases. Prior assignments include within the Criminal Investigations Division, in Youth Investigations and Property Crimes. Justin has extensive experience working on various investigations and is always willing to help his peers.

Officer Denlinger is an investigator with the Crimes Against Persons and Cold Case units. He has successfully brought a variety of cases to closure, including some that are decades old. He is a quality investigator and a valuable asset to the department.

Shawn Hartz

Streets Maintenance

Worker III

Public Works

Street Operations

Amy Irons

Police Property Technician

Police

Rob Kasper

Police Officer

Police

Mike Kirk

Construction Inspection Supervisor

Public Works

Engineering

Becky Kluesner

Public Works Coordinator

Public Works

Engineering

Shawn is a team on our vegetation management crew. An average day finds him mowing the right-of-way or City-owned vacant lots. Shawn shares his knowledge with seasonal staff and brings innovative ideas to the team. Congrats on this milestone!

It’s amazing how time flies! Amy has fulfilled many roles in the department, holding the title of records technician, evidence technician, and now property technician. She has done great work and is a true team player, adding her unique touch to every project. Her contributions have made working with her a great experience. Congratulations!

Officer Kasper has worked in both patrol and investigations, currently focusing on internet crimes against children — a busy and important assignment. He manages many cases, which can be lengthy and involved. Rob contributes his knowledge by assisting other officers and is a positive and helpful team member, always willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Thanks for being a great team member!

Mike has worked for the City in various roles with a passion that is evident to anyone who spends time with him. He is a valuable member of the construction team and willingly lends his expertise to those in need. Public Works is lucky to have Mike in the department.

Becky has enjoyed diverse roles in the City, first as an assistant to Council members, then in Real Estate, and currently as a coordinator. This career experience is reflected in her resourcefulness and helpfulness to project managers. Becky runs our project invoicing and professional services agreements and prepares Council items. Her quality behind-the-scenes work brings efficiency and seamlessness to our projects and peace of mind to the project team, knowing that the details are in good hands. I also appreciate the panache and candor she brings to our weekly meetings.

Brett

Lerch

Streets Supervisor

Public Works

Street Operations

Annette Lorenz

Public Safety Program

Manager Police

Charlie McClintock

J oint Communications Center Manager

Joint Communications

Patrick Mick

Firefighter (Shift)

Fire

Brett has been an integral part of the Streets division. He began as a seasonal employee out of high school and was then hired full time as a streets laborer. Over his career, he has held many frontline positions, which led to his promotion to quadrant supervisor. He has been the SW Quadrant Supervisor for several years and is a respected leader among his peers. Brett plays an instrumental role in the coordination and planning of streets maintenance, construction, snow removal, and other special projects. We wish him many more successful years at the City!

Annette is a valued employee, currently serving as the SAFE-CR public safety program manager. She is an important resource to the department and provides great leadership to her unit. Annette’s customer service is second to none as she always shows patience, empathy, and understanding when dealing with individuals and nuisance property complaints. She is always willing to assist colleagues, providing timely answers and results. Annette is very knowledgeable and her attention to detail ensures accurate outcomes. Her sense of humor and ability to get along with others makes it a pleasure to have her as part of the team and as a great representative of the City.

Charlie is a talented and valued City team member. His experience and knowledge have greatly benefited the department. He has excelled in his role as a manager, providing valuable insight and leadership. Charlie is a hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate supervisor who truly cares about the wellbeing of his employees and the City. Congrats on reaching this milestone.

Patrick came to the Fire Department after serving our country. His dedication, professionalism, and hard work are evident in everything he does. He has been a reliable leader to the numerous probationary firefighters assigned to his station, always ready to take on any challenge. Congratulations and thank you for your service!

Andy Olesen

A ssistant Fire Chief Fire

Jennifer Pratt Director

Community Development & Planning

Jen Roberts

Police Sergeant Police

Heather Ryan Dispatcher

Joint Communications

Assistant Chief Olesen has dedicated his career to serving our residents and visitors. He advanced from firefighter to assistant chief, serving as a shift captain, Battalion Chief, and Training Chief along the way. He played a key role in achieving accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and guided our department through its second accreditation cycle. He also drafted the department’s standards of cover during these cycles. He has been instrumental in shaping the Operations Division and provided valuable leadership during the response to the COVID pandemic. Congratulations on 25 years and thank you for your service and dedication!

Jennifer has established herself as a leader both within the Community Development and Planning Department and in the broader community through her involvement with various organizations. Her expertise and insights are highly respected from the Executive Team, and she is frequently sought after for her ideas and assistance, even on matters beyond her department’s scope. Jennifer plays a crucial role in aligning the Council’s goals with City strategies, ensuring cohesion across the organization. Her collaboration with our team, City Council, and employees citywide has been essential to our City’s success.

Sergeant Roberts has held a variety of roles throughout her career. As a polygraph examiner and field training officer, she contributed to hiring and training quality employees. In her roles as a school resource officer, investigator, negotiator, and member of the Crisis Intervention Team, she has supported individuals through crises. As a sergeant, she has mentored others in patrol and investigations. Now, as the community outreach sergeant, she makes a major impact by participating in community events and as a department representative. Congratulations!

Heather is a high-quality dispatcher and a tremendous leader behind the scenes. She has extensive knowledge, remains calm in crises, and has a team-first attitude — serving as an exceptional trainer and mentor within the department.

Mike Solberg

Urban Forester III

Parks & Recreation

Forestry

Heidi Stiffler

A ssistant Finance Director

Finance

Analysis

Thomas Weber

Process Operator

Utilities

Water Pollution Control

Mike has been on the forestry team for his entire tenure with the City. There is rarely a dull moment with Mike. He is quick witted and has a great sense of humor. He has developed his skills in rigging and removals over the years, frequently reviewing products and educating himself in his own time. As a result, he has become the go-to resource for large and complex tree removals. He also worked with colleagues to create a comprehensive and impressive rigging SOP from scratch! Mike played a key role during two floods and was invaluable during the 2020 Derecho, consistently showcasing his unique talents. In addition to learning new things, Mike is happy to share his knowledge of the industry and often helps to train new staff. Mike is a valuable member of the staff and I congratulate him on his years of service.

Heidi is an outstanding employee, leader, and colleague. As the assistant finance director, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the department’s mission and vision over the years. She has developed and implemented innovative budgeting strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings for the organization. Her ability to manage complex budgets and make sound financial decisions has set a high standard for others to follow. She consistently demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and has always kept the best interests of the organization at heart. As a leader, Heidi goes above and beyond to ensure that her team has the resources and support they need to succeed. Her positive attitude, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are an inspiration to us all. I believe her leadership qualities are essential to the success of our team and our organization as a whole.

Thomas has been a valuable asset to the City, especially as an operator at WPC. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and proactively address tasks before they become problems. Thomas is never afraid to ask questions and tackles any assignment given to him. Thank you, Thomas, for your dedicated service!

EMPLOYEE

MANAGER COMMENTS

Kerrie Brown

S ewer Camera

Maintenance Worker IV

Public Works

Sewer Operations

Martin Devore

Police Officer

Police

Rick Dvorsky

Police Officer

Police

Paul Erger

F

ire Captain (Shift)

Fire

Kerrie has served in every position in his time with the Sewer division. He possesses an excellent work ethic and strong knowledge of what the system needs to keep operating. He has never let us down! We can always count on him to get the job done right. Thank you for everything you do!

Officer Devore is assigned to the Criminal Investigations division in the Crimes Against Persons Unit, where he investigates robbery, homicide, and similar cases. With extensive experience successfully investigating a wide range of cases, Martin is a skilled investigator who works diligently for our community.

Investigator Dvorsky has served as both a patrol officer and investigator. As investigator, he is the go-to resource for street officers regarding stolen property and the whereabouts of frequent offenders. He collaborates closely with other agencies to share information and keep officers updated on crime trends regarding thefts and suspect information. He will always answer his phone — even on his time off! — addressing any questions that officers or commanders may have. Even after 30 years of serving, Rick comes to work with a smile on his face and is passionate about helping officers and our citizens. Congratulations, Rick!

Captain Erger has dedicated his career to serving our community and is currently the company officer at Station 4. He has proven himself as a leader and a reliable asset to the department. Past work includes as Recognition Committee chair for eight years and as participant of our labor/management effort. He has not only proved himself over many years of service, he has shone as a leader. His dependability helps make Cedar Rapids a great place to live and work.

Lori Farmer

L ead Greenhouse Worker

Parks & Recreation

Parks Operation

Charlie Fields

Police Captain

Police

Bryan Furman

Police Officer Police

Lori has played a vital role our department where she leads a team of volunteers to grow and plant around 60,000 plants each year. Not only has she helped to make Noelridge Park look amazing with nationally award-winning flower beds — she also grows flowers for many of the other parks and City buildings! We are glad to have Lori on our team.

Captain Fields served as a security specialist in the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm before joining the City team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and has served in numerous roles within the department, including patrol, Field Training, and bike officer; Honor Guard member; and Special Response Team (SRT) member and commander. In his role as a lieutenant, he has served as patrol shift commander, deputy planning chief on the City’s Incident Management Team, and SRT commander. Captain Fields has extensive experience in patrol and tactical operations, critical incident response, and active-shooter situations. He has dedicated much of his career to training, preparing thousands of officers and civilians for critical incidents. Currently, he is involved in active threat training and the Group Violence Initiative, working to reduce gun violence by supporting individuals and families at risk. Throughout his career, Captain Fields has received numerous awards, including the CRPD Community Service Award (2012), Officer of the Year (2019), many commendatory letters, and two life-saving awards throughout his career. He is the epitome of professional law enforcement and the City is lucky to have had him serve for so many years.

Officer Furman is an investigator in the Narcotics Unit/DEA Taskforce. Before this, he worked in Uniform Patrol and was a longtime member of the Special Response Team. He is a hardworking and dedicated member of the department. We thank him for his service!

Jim Greene

D evelopment Services Engineer II

Development Services

Karin Hanson

A dministrative Assistant Fleet Maintenance

As one of the original members of the Development Services team, Jim remains passionate about the mission to serve as a “one-stop shop” for development professionals in our community. Jim applies his knowledge and years of experience in the areas of land development, public utilities, and other public infrastructure to improve projects and ensure the conformance of proposed projects with applicable design standards. Jim’s knowledge and experience delivers accurate and consistent information and assistance to developers, engineers, and design professionals to keep projects successfully moving forward. Thank you, Jim, for your hard work and dedication to the City of Cedar Rapids and your contribution to its continued growth and development.

Karin has worked in various areas within the City, gaining valuable experience during her tenure. She started as a records technician with the Police Department, then transferred to the Public Works Engineering division as an administrative assistant before bringing her talents to the Fleet Services and Facilities Maintenance teams. Her knowledge over the years has carried with her in each role she has served. She has a strong sense of detail in her work and is a valuable asset. Congratulations!

Melissa Henderson Police Officer Police

Lou Isaac

Streets Maintenance Worker II

Public

Works

Street Operations

Officer Henderson has dedicated her career to the City and the Police Department, excelling in multiple roles. She can be counted on to show leadership, get the job done right, and treat people well. Melissa has made significant contributions to the department as a patrol officer, Narcotics investigator, Task Force officer, Sex Crimes investigator, and training coordinator for the Cedar Rapids Regional Academy. Her impact on citizens, coworkers, and officers statewide has left a positive mark. Congrats on reaching 30 years of service, and thank you for your work!

Lou is a valuable member of the Streets team. As an experienced driver, he hauls materials for all quadrants and contributes to almost every project. Lou shares his knowledge during winter snow operations, often helping with vacant routes and mentoring newer staff. He has a positive attitude and is always willing to jump in to complete tasks. Congratulations on your outstanding career!

Cory McGarvey

Police Lieutenant Police

Dale Moyle

Police Sergeant Police

Dave Pennington

Transit Driver Transit

Lieutenant McGarvey worked in the Patrol division until 2000, when he became an investigator in the Criminal Investigation division. He was a member of the Special Response Team for nine years and served as a Field Training Officer for five. Promoted to Sergeant in September 2002, he served as a patrol sergeant and traffic sergeant, playing a key role in introducing Automated Traffic Enforcement to our enforcement toolkit. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2010, and served as a patrol shift lieutenant for three years. In 2013, he became a district lieutenant, first for the Central District and now for the East District. Lieutenant McGarvey works hard to build relationships between Neighborhood Associations, businesses, residents, the Police Department, and other City Departments. He has successfully addressed various community concerns and quality of life issues in his time with us. In 2018, he added duties as a School Resource Officer supervisor, establishing strong ties with the Cedar Rapids Community School District to ensure a safe learning environment for students. Thank you, Cory, for your many years of dedicated service!

Sergeant Moyle continues to set the standard of excellence in his service, taking on any role asked of him. He is the epitome of a leader who is respected by all those who work with him. Known for his intelligence and humor, he has worked in most areas of the department. We congratulate him on this milestone!

Dave is the second-longest tenured driver on the Transit team. His ability to keep things simple and respect the process is one of his best qualities. With extensive knowledge gained from years of dedicated service, he provides valuable insights to ensure passengers reach their destinations. Even with his wealth of knowledge, Dave is always open to seeking input to ensure the job is done right. Congratulations, Dave!

Anthony Robinson

Police Lieutenant Police

Sheila Shaver

S ystems Analyst

Information Technology

Information Technology

Greg Smith

Fire Chief Fire

Lieutenant Robinson is a dedicated officer with wide-ranging experience. He excels in all his roles, making him a huge asset to the department and City. Currently serving in the Criminal Investigation division, Lieutenant Robinson is hardworking, knowledgeable, and ensures work is completed to the highest standards. His forward-thinking and strategic mindset, along with his pursuit of new technology, enhance our department’s effectiveness. It is an honor to have him as part of the team. We congratulate him on this career milestone.

Sheila is a tenured City employee who appreciates serving her community. She supports the City’s Document Management System with resoluteness and has recently achieved success with the Board and Commission Process, assisting both City Departments and Board and Commission Members. Throughout her career, she has worked in the Utilities and IT Departments. She is respected and appreciated for her knowledge, diligence, and attention to detail. Congratulations, Sheila, on this very significant milestone!

Chief Smith’s leadership extends beyond his role as Fire Chief in Cedar Rapids. He is also recognized nationwide for his efforts in attaining and maintaining accreditation for our department. Chief Smith leads with compassion and support, fostering a Fire Department that instills pride in all of us. He has expertly guided the City through numerous emergency incidents, most notably serving as Incident Commander during the 2020 Derecho. His commitment and leadership have been crucial to the safety and wellbeing of our community. We appreciate his years of dedicated service to the department and community.

Tom Tharp

C ivil Engineering

Construction Inspector

Public Works

Engineering

Steven Thompson

Streets Main Worker IV

Public Works

Street Operations

Tom has worn several hats during his time with the City. He began his employment on the survey crew before becoming a construction inspector. We thank and congratulate him on his 30 years of dedicated service.

Steve is a leader to his crews in the SW quadrant. He is often the first person crew members call when they need advice or assistance and is an invaluable source of knowledge and process. Steve goes the extra mile to help new staff acclimate to their roles. He has weathered many natural disasters and tackled some of the worst winter storms — usually on the outskirts of town — and always responds when called upon. Congratulations!

EMPLOYEE

Kelly Jacobs

G eospatial Data Specialist II

Information Technology

MANAGER COMMENTS

Kelly began her career in 1989 as a graphics and mapping technician with Community Development, providing graphic design services, editing zoning and land use maps, and managing topological aerial photos. As mapping transitioned to digital formats using CAD and GIS, she joined the GIS team in IT as a GIS project specialist in 2008 and was later promoted to geospatial data specialist II. Her primary duties include updating City street information and addresses, a task that is vital for business development, building services, and public safety. She actively participates in the land records process, recommends workflow changes, and collaborates with other departments to enhance the intake and workflow for land record changes. Kelly also assists the public and other departments with mapping requests and uses her graphic arts skills to create custom graphics and materials for various IT documentation needs. Her organizational skills are essential in helping the department run efficiently. Kelly is a valuable member of the GIS team and an asset to our organization!

Kirk Kjorness

Patron Services Specialist Library

Kirk has been with the library through more changes than most us can fathom. He’s been through new buildings, new managers, natural disasters, and a global pandemic. He has been, and continues to be, an important and valuable part of the team, carrying with him in many ways the history of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. He is also a great source for travel tips, if you ever need them. We are thankful to still have him as part of the library family after all these years!

Lee Tippe

Project Engineer II

Public Works Engineering

Tim Weaver

L ead Streets Worker

Public Works

Street Operations

Lee has dedicated his professional life to the City of Cedar Rapids. He has held various positions within the Public Works Department and is currently a project engineer on the Paving for Progress team. Lee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that greatly benefits the Engineering Division. He has worked on too many street projects to list and his positive impact on our community has been immeasurable. He is also greatly respected by his peers in the engineering community. On behalf of all the people, past and present, with whom you have worked, thank you for your years of service to the community!

Tim has spent the majority of his career in the SW quadrant, performing a range of tasks from laborer to supervisor. He has taken on various leadership roles, effectively sharing his knowledge of dump truck and snowplow operations with new staff. Through winter events and natural disasters, Tim has shown a willingness to work long hours to ensure the safety of our community. His extensive knowledge of the SW side of the City is invaluable! Thank you, Tim.

EMPLOYEE

Karen Michael

A dministrative Assistant Utilities

MANAGER COMMENTS

Karen has been administrative assistant to the Utilities Director for many years, supporting seven different leaders during her tenure. She has witnessed numerous changes in department and City. Throughout her time, Karen has helped us navigate challenges like droughts, floods, derechos, and water main breaks — always with a smile on her face. She has transitioned from mailing letters typed on a typewriter to mass distributing emails and experienced several transitions throughout her tenure. She has seen significant developments, including the startup of the Northwest Water Plant in the mid-90s, the construction of new water tanks, the demolition of old tanks, changes in our form of government, and the consolidation of Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste into the Utilities Department. She has been a tremendous asset to all at the department and to all of the customers we serve.

Mary Oehler

Traffic Engineering Technician

Traffic Engineering

Traffic Engineering

Mary has spent her entire career in the Public Works Department, starting in the engineering division before moving to traffic engineering in 2014. She has worn many hats within Public Works, notably developing long-term working relationships associated with special events facilitated by the City. Her nature-inspired office décor and appreciation for the holidays continually uplift the spirits of the staff at the City Services Center. We celebrate Mary’s service and appreciate her contributions to the City team.

EMPLOYEE

Doug McArtor

Streets Maintenance Worker III

Public

Works

Street

Operations

MANAGER COMMENTS

Doug’s skills as a heavy-equipment operator have been on display in every quadrant of the city. Following a time of concentrated effort on the NW side, he was transferred to our Construction division. Doug operates excavators and backhoes while removing failed concrete roadways. Recently, he’s been tasked with returning City alleys and roadway shoulders to compliance. Doug has been, and will continue to be, a valued member of our team. He’s done an excellent job training future and current heavy equipment operators. We look forward to working with Doug for many more years to come!

2024 RETIREES