Greater Dubuque Development Corporation has named Jason White as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Monday, January 12, 2026, following a nationwide search led by the organization’s Board of Directors.

White succeeds Rick Dickinson, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the organization and the Greater Dubuque region.

After a national search process, the Board of Directors selected White based on his experience and for his ability to honor the organization’s strong foundation while continuing to evolve its approach to meet the region’s emerging needs. White currently serves as Vice President of Business Services for Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and brings more than two decades of economic development leadership experience in both Iowa and Wisconsin.

“Jason emerged as the clear choice through a rigorous national search,” said Zach Keeling, Chair of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Board of Directors. “He understands what has made this organization successful, and he brings the perspective, energy, and leadership needed to build on that foundation while positioning the organization for what’s next.

”Since joining Greater Dubuque Development Corporation in 2021, White has led the organization’s Business Retention and Expansion efforts, national marketing initiatives, and business recruitment strategy. In his first calendar year, he helped secure a record number of High-Quality Jobs awards from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, outperforming all other Iowa communities. He has also played a central role in strengthening partnerships with local governments, chambers of commerce, and regional development organizations across the tri-state area.

White previously served as the inaugural President and CEO of the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation (county population 171,730), where he led two successful capital campaigns, built a talented team, and supported over $200 million in capital investment, including securing the global headquarters of Fortune 500 company Oshkosh Corporation. He and his team also successfully attracted the Milwaukee Bucks’ G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, resulting in a new arena on a formerly blighted site, while launching Winnebago Catch-A-Ride, a point-to-point workforce transportation program. They also administered the U.S. Department of Defense-funded Aviation Cluster Initiative along the Interstate 41 Corridor and established two business finance programs—one for second-stage companies and another for early-stage entrepreneurs in high-growth industries.

His career also includes executive leadership roles with economic development organizations in Warren County, Iowa; the four-county Midwest Partnership region in west-central Iowa, and Appanoose County, Iowa. He holds a Master’s of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa and economic development certifications from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute and the Heartland Economic Development Course, Inc.

A Loras College graduate, White has longstanding ties to Northeast Iowa and is actively engaged in community and regional leadership, including service on multiple local and statewide boards.

As President and CEO, White will lead Greater Dubuque Development Corporation’s efforts to strengthen business competitiveness, support existing employers, attract new investment, and advance workforce and talent strategies that respond to the region’s evolving needs. His leadership will emphasize collaboration, measurable impact, and a clear focus on helping the Greater Dubuque region remain resilient, inclusive, and economically competitive.

“I’m honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to step into this role,” White said. “My focus will be on listening, strengthening partnerships, and sharpening how we deliver results for businesses, workers, and communities across the region. There is strong momentum here, and I’m excited to build on it in meaningful and measurable ways.”

Dickinson expressed confidence in the leadership transition, noting White’s experience and readiness to lead, stating, “It has been a privilege to serve this organization and this region for more than 30 years. Jason brings the experience, integrity, and forward-thinking leadership needed to guide Greater Dubuque Development into its next chapter, and I have full confidence in his ability to continue advancing this important work.”

During Dickinson’s tenure, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation strengthened its role as a trusted convener and catalyst for regional collaboration, helping guide the community through periods of economic transition, population change, and long-term strategic investment. His leadership helped position the organization as a steady, behind-the-scenes force advancing workforce solutions, business growth, and community vitality across the region.