Joe Raso Stepping Down as President of ICAD to Take Opportunity in Colorado

Press Release

Today Scott Fisher, Chair of the Iowa City Area Development Group Board of Directors, announces the resignation of ICAD Group President Joe Raso.  Raso has accepted the position as President and CEO of the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and EDC effective in early May.

“We are very sad to see Joe go and wish him well in his new endeavor,” said Fisher.  “As with many high profile positions, opportunities find people when they least expect it and we recognize Joe’s decision to accept this new challenge.”

“On behalf of the ICAD Group Board of Directors and our investors, we thank Joe for his leadership and dedication to our area.  He has provided consistently strong results and industry-leading and distinctive programming,” added Fisher.

Since joining ICAD Group in November of 2000, Raso has worked directly on business recruitment projects such as Acciona, Alpla and Coles Quality Foods as well as large scale expansions with International Automotive Components, CIVCO, Procter and Gamble, Whirlpool, Integrated DNA Technologies and ACT.  These projects have resulted in the creation and retention of thousands of jobs in the region and millions of dollars in capital investment. 

Most recently, Raso spearheaded the launch of the state’s only Certified Shovel Ready Sites program and worked with staff to expand ICAD Group’s existing industry, investor relations and workforce development programs.  Raso also has served on the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the University of Iowa Research Park Board, Going Global in Iowa Board, the Professional Developers of Iowa Board and the State Safeguard Iowa Board.

"I want to thank the ICAD Group Board of Directors, the ICAD Group staff, our investors and member communities for their guidance and support these past eleven years,” said Raso.  “We should all be proud of what ICAD Group has accomplished and we should also embrace the opportunities and potential for our region outlined in our 2030 Vision.”

Chuck Peters, ICAD Group Chair-Elect and co-chair for the Vision 2030 fundraising campaign said some of Joe’s most important work has come within the last year.  “Joe has been laser-focused on a new vision for ICAD Group and leaves this organization well poised for the future,” said Peters.  “With a strong and committed staff and solid transition plan in place, we are able to move forward with our campaign and core programming.”

The ICAD Group Executive Committee is currently structuring a plan for hiring the new president.  Additionally, a sendoff for Raso is planned for May 4, 2012, with more details to follow.

oday Scott Fisher, Chair of the Iowa City Area Development Group Board of Directors, announces the resignation of ICAD Group President Joe Raso.  Raso has accepted the position as President and CEO of the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and EDC effective in early May.

“We are very sad to see Joe go and wish him well in his new endeavor,” said Fisher.  “As with many high profile positions, opportunities find people when they least expect it and we recognize Joe’s decision to accept this new challenge.”

“On behalf of the ICAD Group Board of Directors and our investors, we thank Joe for his leadership and dedication to our area.  He has provided consistently strong results and industry-leading and distinctive programming,” added Fisher.

Since joining ICAD Group in November of 2000, Raso has worked directly on business recruitment projects such as Acciona, Alpla and Coles Quality Foods as well as large scale expansions with International Automotive Components, CIVCO, Procter and Gamble, Whirlpool, Integrated DNA Technologies and ACT.  These projects have resulted in the creation and retention of thousands of jobs in the region and millions of dollars in capital investment. 

Most recently, Raso spearheaded the launch of the state’s only Certified Shovel Ready Sites program and worked with staff to expand ICAD Group’s existing industry, investor relations and workforce development programs.  Raso also has served on the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the University of Iowa Research Park Board, Going Global in Iowa Board, the Professional Developers of Iowa Board and the State Safeguard Iowa Board.

"I want to thank the ICAD Group Board of Directors, the ICAD Group staff, our investors and member communities for their guidance and support these past eleven years,” said Raso.  “We should all be proud of what ICAD Group has accomplished and we should also embrace the opportunities and potential for our region outlined in our 2030 Vision.”

Chuck Peters, ICAD Group Chair-Elect and co-chair for the Vision 2030 fundraising campaign said some of Joe’s most important work has come within the last year.  “Joe has been laser-focused on a new vision for ICAD Group and leaves this organization well poised for the future,” said Peters.  “With a strong and committed staff and solid transition plan in place, we are able to move forward with our campaign and core programming.”

The ICAD Group Executive Committee is currently structuring a plan for hiring the new president.  Additionally, a sendoff for Raso is planned for May 4, 2012, with more details to follow.