Scott Crosby is a 1986 Coe College graduate with a combined Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and computer science. Founded in 2000, Crosby is the general manager and owner of Encompass, a computer networking consulting firm. He also owns and manages C&F Properties, which consists of four apartments and 10 offices. Crosby has served as the District president since it was founded in February 2007.
| Richard Marsceau has owned and operated Brewed Awakenings Coffeehouse since 2003. Brewed opened an additional location in St. Luke's Hospital in 2007. He is committed to seeing through a revitalization of the District. A top priority is to develop a street that is full of unique, creative, locally owned shops that is attractive to students and young adults in Cedar Rapids. Richard has served on the District board since its inception and is encouraged by the unity among the members. | Jeff Carter is the store director of the First Avenue Hy-Vee location. Carter has served on the District since January of 2010. His main priority as a board member is to implement efforts to clean up the District and encourage a greater police presence in the area. | Jeff Frese is the President of Frese Enterprises and an owner of the Commonwealth Apartments. Other businesses include Planet X Fun Center, Aspen Inn, Budget Inn, and other investment real estate. His 20 plus years experience in real estate and as an entrepreneur include 4 years with a locally based company and 8 years with a San Diego based company.
A member of the district since 2008 and a board member since 2011, Jeff believes that the Uptown District is on the verge of being discovered for its diverse business and entertainment offerings. He will continue to advocate for and promote the economic opportunities that are in its boundaries. | Kristy Staker is a 2008 graduate of Coe College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majors in public relations, writing and physical education. She is currently working as the public relations coordinator, assistant director of parent programs and assistant volleyball coach at Coe College. Staker has served on the District board as the secretary since May 2008. Along with safety and security, Staker would like to encourage District awareness and vitality through increased programming efforts and annual events. |
Kevin Platz is the association executive of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS®. Prior to joining CRAAR, Platz was Manager of Economic Development with Priority One, the economic development arm of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Platz is a 2004 graduate of the Leadership for 5 Seasons program, 2007 40 Under 40 award winner, member of Downtown Rotary and Day Chair volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership for 5 Seasons program. He has also been involved with Junior Achievement, Marion Jaycees and Marion Metro Kiwanis. Platz has served on the District board since it was founded in February 2007 and now holds the treasurer position. | Philip Wasta is the president and co-chief executive of Pioneer, Inc. (dba Pioneer Workspace Solutions). 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. | Rod Pritchard has more than 25 years of professional experience in the fields of journalism, broadcasting, communications, and marketing and public relations. While working for an international agribusiness company, he traveled extensively in the U.S. and Western Europe. In addition to teaching public relations, he has served as the director of marketing and public relations at Coe College since March 2003. Pritchard has served on the District board since it was founded in February 2007. | Allison (Layne) Huey is the Residence Hall Director for Living Learning Communities at Mount Mercy University. Layne is a 2007 graduate of Coe College, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is currently a member of Junior League of Cedar Rapids, an at-large executive board member of Milky Way Masters Swim Team, an active volunteer with Junior Achievement and Kids First Law Center. Having grown up, advanced her education and established her career path all in Cedar Rapids, Layne has developed a strong sense of our community. She is not only excited to raise awareness of the Uptown Districts roots, but assist in the development for a new generation. | Wade Hiner is the business development manager of Hunter Companies, a commercial/residential general contractor and developer. A board member since 2009, Hiner is passionate about helping the organization with safety and security issues along with developing creative ways to spur growth and expansion in the District. Hiner resides in Marion with his wife Lisa and two daughters. |