Jessie Thurn was announced as the new executive director for the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (MVLCDG) on June 17.
MVLCDG board president Lisa White presented Thurn to the Mount Vernon city council. Thurn was the applicant the committee believed was to be the best fit for the job after their search for the replacement of Joe Jennison.
White described Thurn’s illustrious background growing up and working in both Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Thurn’s latest job was being the assistant manager at Bauman’s & Co.
“Jessie is passionate about seeing our communities thrive. She brings with her a wealth of experience in customer service, marketing, project management, information technology, and exceptional communication skills that will be an enormous asset to the CDG,” White said.
Thurn is already known by many in the community, something that White said will help her out as she transitions into this new role. While an exciting opportunity for Thurn, the job will come with some challenges.
“I have big shoes to fill being Joe Jennison’s successor,” Thurn said. “Naturally, there’s a learning curve anytime you enter a new position; fortunately for me, the challenge is what motivates me.”
The owner of Bauman’s, Olivia Randall, believes Thurn has the attributes to succeed in her new position serving the community. Randall cited Thurn as a very detail oriented, hardworking, and caring person.
“We are excited that the CDG has their new director, and glad that Jessie’s talent and strengths will continue to serve our community,” Randall said.
Thurn’s primary goal as she begins this new role with the CDG is to listen and advocate for the need of the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities.
At the Mount Vernon city council meeting on June 17, Thurn was approved by the council unanimously to take over as the executive director.
As the executive director of the CDG, Jessie Thurn would report to the volunteer board of the CDG. Thurn will start with a salary of $65,000 and begin working full-time on July 15. While Thurn will not oversee the two upcoming festivals, the Fourth of July Nitty Gritty and Heritage days, she will job shadow during that time.
“I look forward to the exposure I’ll get from shadowing these events and learning what goes on behind the scenes,” Thurn said.
MVLCDG is a part of Main Street Iowa and takes on the roles in the community of a traditional chamber of commerce, economic development and marketing and tourism activities and projects.
New CDG director named
Joel Kellar
[email protected]
June 27, 2024