The Board
Phil Wasta
President
Philip Wasta is the Executive Director of the MedQuarter Regional Medical District. Wasta is a graduate of the University of Iowa - College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of General Studies degree. A graduate of the Leadership for Five Seasons program, he has consistently dedicated decades of service in many influential community organizations such as the Fifteen In Five/PLAY Committee, Witwer Center, the American Cancer Society of Linn County, and the Downtown School Committee. Wasta has served on the District board since it was founded in February 2007.
Karla Sibert
Vice President
Karla Sibert is the owner of Dairy Queen#4 located on 16th Street NE. She attended the University of Iowa, and Pacific Travel School. She was involved with the travel and tourism business for the majority of her life. A 1994 graduate of the Leadership of Five Season program, she has stayed committed to her passion of volunteering with several non-profit organizations within the community and the State of Iowa. Karla has served on several boards; Miracles in Motion, the Cedar Valley Humane Society, and founded The Iowa Equine Rescue & Awareness League in 2006.
Isaiah Pirtle
Secretary
Isaiah Pirtle is the Branch Manager of Collins Community Credit Union. Isaiah has held a few different management positions at the Credit Union since he started in 2011. Prior to working at Collins Community Credit Union he was a student at Kirkwood Community College where he studied Business and Economics. He loves to work with his community and its citizens. Isaiah works closely with Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity and their efforts to raise money for annual events like “Santa Cop” and “Cops & Kids Back to School.”
Kevin Platz
Treasurer
Lieutenant Jeremy Paulsen
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Todd Coleman
Kevin Platz joined the Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS® as Chief Executive Officer in January 2007. He reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for managing the staff, financial and asset management, strategic planning, oversight of government affairs and community involvement, continuing education, as well as public relations and event planning.
Lt. Jeremy Paulsen joined the Cedar Rapids Police Department in 2003. Lt. Paulsen first worked as a patrol officer until 2009 where he was promoted to Sergeant. Over six years he was a patrol sergent, and after six more years, he was the Sergeant of Research and Development. In 2022, he became Lieutenant and is currently assigned to the Community Services Division where he is the liaison to the Central District. Lieutenant Paulsen assists with the CR Police Department Regional Police Academy as a physical fitness instructor and a standardized field sobriety test instructor.
Todd Coleman is the Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing. Prior to Mount Mercy, He has led programs at Indiana State University, University of Missouri, Purdue University, Wartburg College, Jacksonville University. Todd has been an active member of each community he has lived in and active professionally in NACAC, Iowa ACAC, SACAC as well by serving on the CASE Board of Trustees. He served on the Terre Haute, IN, Columbia, MO Chamber of Commerce and was President of the Waverly, IA Chamber of Commerce in 2017. In addition, he is a frequent speaker at NACAC and CASE on a variety of topics. He serves on advisory boards for ACT and Hobson’s in addition to other state associations.
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Barb Tupper
Barb Tupper is the Associate Vice President for Advancement at Coe College. Barb is a Coe College graduate and also holds a Master's degree in higher education. She has worked in higher education in a variety of capacities, including annual and corporate giving, career services, community engagement, and alumni engagement. Barb is active in the community, including serving on the Willis Dady Board and as a member of Kiwanis.
Jake Detrick
Hy-Vee Store Manager
Jake Detrick grew up in northern Iowa then later moved to Cedar Rapids in 2021 and joined Hy-Vee. He accepted the position at 1st Ave in July of 2022. Jake is now married with a young daughter and enjoys spending time outdoors and with family.
Briana Wagner
Marketing Intern
Briana Wagner is a junior from Mount Mercy University and is majoring in Marketing. She participates in the university band as a flutist. She is also responsible for the College District's website and social media updates. Besides the College District, he is working as a Web Design intern for Mount Mercy's Marketing Department.