Grow Cedar Valley announces Katy Susong as new CEO

“We had more than 150 very qualified applicants,” Mike Mallaro, chairperson of the Grow Cedar Valley board of directors and CEO of VGM Group Inc., said in a news release.

“Katy stood out because she has great experience as a business leader in this community. As a voracious volunteer with years of personal networking experience, she offers tremendous reach. Plus, her role at Cardinal sets her up well to lead and champion economic development.”

Susong has worked as the president and CEO of Cardinal Construction Inc. since 2018. As a strategist with an eye on the big picture, Susong placed a specific emphasis on new business development, process refinement and team development – all skills she’ll carry forward in her new role as president and CEO of Grow Cedar Valley.

“I knew our leadership team would recognize and appoint someone who would continue the positive momentum of the past five to seven years,” said Darrah. “We have someone who will advance what we started. Katy helped craft that initial strategic plan, and I know our executive committee focused on a successor who would continue that growth.”

As a Grow Cedar Valley board member since 2020, Susong has served in various roles including Community Development Council chairperson. Her work with Grow Cedar Valley is part of an extensive array of volunteer and community engagement experience.

She is board chairperson for the Cedar Falls Economic Development Council, an advisory board member of Cedar Falls Community Schools’ Center for Advanced Professional Studies, a Master Builders of Iowa board member, on the board of directors for House of Hope and a sustainer representative for the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. That list doesn’t even include her previous work with organizations such as Construction Safety Services of Iowa, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

“She is very accomplished,” said Mallaro. “We’re thrilled to have this aspirational leader take the helm of Grow Cedar Valley.”

For Susong, it’s an exciting opportunity to go from working in a volunteer capacity to leading the organization.

“I have a level of familiarity with Grow Cedar Valley while still bringing in that fresh perspective,” said Susong. “I’m excited to focus on economic development, including how we can collaborate and partner with organizations in the community already doing great work to support quality of life efforts and draw people to the community. I’m looking forward to diving in.”

That level of excitement is echoed by Darrah who expressed eagerness for the time in which they’ll overlap and work together as Darrah passes the baton to Susong.

“Leadership and collaboration are essential skills for this role,” said Darrah. “Katy has the right skillset, and most importantly, she has proven leadership experience and has demonstrated her willingness to collaborate.”

Susong was quick to note her appreciation for Darrah’s work.

“I’m so appreciative of Cary and the work she has done,” said Susong. “Our relationship will allow us to transition seamlessly as we look to the future of the organization.”

Susong also noted how her experience in the construction and development industry will translate well to Grow Cedar Valley.

“I’m excited to represent our greater community to ensure the Cedar Valley is part of the conversation when talking at the greater state and regional levels. I want to share our unique story, and in doing so, drive growth,” said Susong.

To find more information about Grow Cedar Valley, gon online to growcedarvalley.com.