Council honors Steve Adams, approves hire of new MCDC executive director

Montgomery County Development Corporation executive director Steve Adams is saying his goodbyes.
At the regular meeting of the Red Oak City Council July 11, the council and Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius recognized Adams and congratulated him on his retirement.
“Steve has been involved in economic and community development work in Montgomery County and the city of Red Oak for many years, contributing to efforts that support business growth and community improvement. Steve began his professional journey in Texas, in roles related to public relations and business development, which led him to economic development positions, including serving as the Chamber and Economic Development Director in Mansfield, Texas,” said Silvius.
Adams returned to Red Oak in 1992 to serve as the director of the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation and was part of the formation of the Montgomery County Development Corporation in 1995.
“Steve later worked as the field specialist in community and economic development for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and in 2021 returned to serve as the executive director of MCDC. During his time with MCDC, Steve has worked to address key local priorities, including housing, broadband access, retail development, and support for agriculture-related opportunities. Steve’s familiarity with the community, practical experience, and thoughtful approach to local issues have been appreciated by many throughout his career,” commented Silvius.
Silvius then gave special recognition to Adams for his years of dedicated service to Red Oak and Montgomery County and expressed the city’s appreciation and congratulations on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Development Corporation. Adams appreciated the recognition.
“I asked Lisa Kotter what I should be prepared for. She wouldn’t tell me, so I had a little suspicion. But I just want to say it’s been an honor and a privilege. Quite honestly, as Shawna well knows, as well as everybody else who has been in this position, these things don’t happen in the silence. It takes a lot of people working together,” stated Adams. “The City of Red Oak has been a great partner. The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors have been a great partner as well, along with a lot of the folks here on the City Council have been great partners as well. I do appreciate the help that I’ve gotten over the years.”
The council also discussed a resolution to hire and set the salary for Adams’ replacement, Ben Lundgren.
Per the resolution, the Montgomery County Development Corporation (MCDC) Board has recommended the hiring of Ben Lundgren to serve as the Executive Director of MCDC.
The City of Red Oak is hiring Lundgren to fulfill the role of Executive Director of the Montgomery County Development Corporation, in accordance with the agreement between the City and MCDC as established in Resolution No. 2025-44. The salary for Lundgren will be $93,000 annually, and will be paid through the City of Red Oak’s payroll system.
MCDC has agreed to fully reimburse the City of Red Oak for the cost of Lundgren’s salary. The City of Red Oak will cover the cost of employee benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, IPERS, and other standard benefit offerings.
City Councilperson Brian Bills said he didn’t realize that this was even part of the council’s jurisdiction.
“I thought this was strictly on MCDC to do the hiring of their directors and personnel. I don’t remember doing it in the past,” Bills said.
Councilperson Tim Fridolph, who also serves on the MCDC Board, said the city didn’t do the hiring in the past, but it did enter a contract with the city to have the new Executive Director as a city employee for the purpose of benefits.
“Because of that, we do have to pass it by resolution from the City Council because he will be an employee by reason of benefits. MCDC will reimburse the salary, and the city’s providing the benefit,” Fridolph said.
Lester asked if the benefits were part of the city’s donation to MCDC, and Fridolph confirmed that it was. City administrator Lisa Kotter said the process was necessary, as they couldn’t offer benefits to someone from the city unless they were hired by the city. Bradley felt that MCDC was important.
“We have to remember that economic development is critical to the city, and if we’re working together as an employee, we will reap a lot of benefits from the economic director,” commented Bradley.
The council approved the resolution by a 4-0 vote. Fridolph abstained due to his ties to the MCDC Board.
Lundren will begin his duties on Aug. 11.