Rick Mongan, President of the Cherokee Area Economic Development (CAEDC) board, announced today that Jana Utesch has been hired as the new Executive Director of CAEDC.
She will replace Bill Anderson, who recently resigned to take a position at R.J. Thomas Manufacturing, Inc. after leading CAEDC for nearly five years. Utesch will assume the role later in August.
CAEDC President, Rick Mongan commented on the new director, “We are excited to welcome Jana to the CAEDC team. Her roots run deep in Cherokee County and we are confident she will continue the progress we have experienced over the past few years.”
Utesch grew up on a family farm outside of Washta living in rural Cherokee County for most of her life. She is a graduate of Washington High School in Cherokee. She went on to Iowa Central Community College receiving an Associate of General Studies and Practical Nursing license. From there Utesch attended Iowa State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.
For the last 14 years, Utesch has been the Director of The Gardens Assisted Living in Cherokee. Jana and her husband, Matt, currently reside on a farm west of Washta with their children, Jaylee and Colton who are a senior and a sophomore at Washington High School.
The family spends much of their time at cattle shows with Jaylee and football games and wrestling meets with Colton.
Utesch looks forward to being actively involved in the county serving in her new role.
There will be a gathering at Mud on Main in Cherokee on Thursday, September 22nd from 4:30PM to 6:30PM for the community to welcome Jana to CAEDC. Refreshments and beverages will be served.