Our Staff

Rick Dickenson

Rick Dickinson

President & CEO

As President and CEO, Rick Dickinson is responsible for the administration of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation operations. This includes the successful implementation of our workforce development and business retention and expansion projects. Rick is also the principal liaison between the City of Dubuque and the State of Iowa on issues relating to economic development incentive programs.
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Dan McDonald

Daniel McDonald

Vice President of Existing Business

Vice President of Existing Business Daniel McDonald is the primary contact for existing business and industry. He is responsible for working with these employers as they expand in the Dubuque area. Dan also leads our InfoAction Program - one-on-one contacts with local business leaders - which greatly enhance our ability to identify opportunities within the local economy. Dan serves as liaison with state and local development organizations and associations.
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Sarah Harris

Sarah Harris

Vice President of Workforce Solutions

As the Vice President of Workforce Solutions, Sarah Harris is in charge of the Greater Dubuque Development workforce recruitment campaign. This includes working closely with local human resource representatives and our local higher education institutions to promote the AccessDubuqueJobs.com web site. She also promotes Greater Dubuque as a Destination for Opportunity to job seekers and local employers.
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Mark Seckman

Mark Seckman

Vice President of National Marketing

As Vice President of National Marketing, Mark Seckman is responsible for growing employment by recruiting businesses to the Dubuque area. Building upon Greater Dubuque's regional and national marketing strategy, Mark also works with public sector officials to define the best strategy for attracting companies to Dubuque.
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Karen Kluesner

Karen Kluesner

Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations Karen Kluesner manages the daily operations of Greater Dubuque Development, including payroll, accounts payable, and investments. She provides support and assistance to Rick Dickinson and manages their schedules. Karen oversees all of Greater Dubuque's events and activities and manages all computer maintenance and upgrades.
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Karen Kluesner

Beth Mescher

Director of Communications

As Director of Communications, Beth Mescher is responsible for creating communication and marketing materials used to promote Greater Dubuque Development. This includes brand development and management, web site management, media relations, search engine optimization, copy writing, and proposal creation.
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Bill Baum

Bill Baum

Existing Business Specialist

Existing Business Specialist Bill Baum works closely with Dan McDonald as a contact for existing business and industry. Bill also works with our InfoAction Program, conducting interviews and taking action on both challenges and opportunities identified by businesses.
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Shannon Gaherty

Shannon Gaherty

Newcomer Relations Coordinator

As Newcomer Relations Coordinator, Shannon is responsible for coordinating one-stop concierge service for newcomers relocating to Dubuque to ensure that individuals and families who have chosen Dubuque to live, work, and play are not only welcomed into the community, but are also equipped with the knowledge they need to make the most of their experience. Additionally, Shannon is the primary contact for Opportunity Packs and other relocation information for the Greater Dubuque area.
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Mary Konrardy

Jayne Ervolino

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant Jayne Ervolino works closely with Karen Kluesner on daily office activities, including office correspondence, scheduling, the maintenance of information databases utilized by staff, along with many other duties. Jayne is also the welcoming voice you hear when calling the offices of Greater Dubuque Development.
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Relocation Guide

Shannon Gaherty
Shannon Gaherty, your Newcomer Relations Coordinator, understands challenges in relocating to a new community and can help you make a smooth transition. Part of Greater Dubuque's workforce initiative, these services are available at no charge. Contact her today to begin planning your move to Dubuque.

Relocation Guide
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Why Dubuque? Video
Relocation Guide
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Newcomer Relations

Relocation Guide
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