Schmidt resigns at Greater Burlington Partnership

BURLINGTON – Today the Greater Burlington Partnership Boards of Directors announced the resignation of Della Schmidt, its President and CEO. Schmidt has accepted the position as the President and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, located in Mankato, Minnesota. Della Schmidt has served as President and CEO since June 2019.
“On behalf of the Greater Burlington Partnership Boards, we want to thank Della for her years of service and leadership to the organization,” stated Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Melinda Bickel. “Della has been a great leader, successfully navigated the Partnership through the COVID crisis, has cultivated a great staff at the Partnership, and has introduced numerous new initiatives. She will greatly be missed.”
 “It has been a privilege to lead this amazing organization. My husband and I have been very happy in Greater Burlington. I have loved working with the Partnership staff and fabulous volunteers. I have been energized by the robust Partnership initiatives and have thoroughly enjoyed calling the Greater Burlington community home for the past five years. I am starting this new chapter in my professional life solely for personal reasons – to be closer to our Minnesota family, most notably our 6-month-old granddaughter.” said Schmidt.
Former Board Chair Tim Lundgren had this to add: “It’s been my great honor to have served alongside Della these last few years. While her and Alan’s desire to be closer to family is completely understandable, her vision and leadership will be missed in Southeast Iowa. Greater Burlington is better for having had them be part of our family here these last five years.”
The Greater Burlington Partnership will immediately form a Search Committee to lead the process to identify its new CEO and President. Timing for Schmidt’s departure will be later this spring.