Mike Fastenau, the city of Perry’s community and economic development director since April 2019, announced his impending retirement Monday at the Perry City Council meeting.
“My wife has been after me for a while to retire,” Fastenau told the council, “and it seems like a good time for me to keep that promise.” He said his final day on the city payroll would be Tuesday, Nov. 30, “give or take a few days.”
Fastenau has been active in issues related to economic development for 40 years, working closely with large and small cities in a variety of business and community development-related activities.
In the course of his career, the University of Nebraska alumnus worked with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Black Hills Energy Corp. He was recognized for exceptional service by former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.
Fastenau served as a staff member of the Vision Iowa Board and worked with legislators on issues related to economic development. He has also served on many community boards, including chair of the Newton Development Corp.’s Small Business IRP Loan Fund, president of the Chamber and Development Corp. of Crawford County, president of Granger Economic Development, Winneshiek County Development Board, Mills County Economic Development Foundation and the Advanced Southwest Iowa Board.
The Perry City Hall is seeking a successor for Fastenau, who would ideally be “creative, forward thinking, welcoming of challenges and hard work, collaborative, empathetic, approachable and experienced in all aspects of community and economic development management. The ability to distinguish the skills and talents of each team member, see the big picture, deliver positive and present leadership, and to demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion” are also desired qualities for a new member of the city’s “team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to innovation, creativity and exceptional service.”
