Kesha Billings, senior planner with the City of Marion’s Community Development Department, was honored for her service to the community during Waypoint’s 42nd annual Tribute to Women of Achievement event. The award was presented on Dec. 5, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Cedar Rapids.
For the last 16 years, Kesha Billings has been a member of Marion’s Planning Division. She has been involved in the community’s long-range planning, navigated complex annexation processes and spearheaded the development of the City’s trail network.
A grant writer and highly skilled at securing local, state and federal funding, Kesha has received commitments of more than $15 million to support trail development in Marion over the course of her career, according to the City of Marion.
“It is part of our culture to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of our team members,” said Marion City Manager Ryan Waller. “Kesha is passionate about our community, committed to making positive change both personally and professionally.”
Billings obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in Community and Regional Planning in 2005. She has been a certified planner through the American Planning Association (American Institute of Certified Planners, AICP) since 2010 and she obtained her master’s degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University in 2015.
She is an avid supporter of the Linn County Trails Association, a Tree Keeper with Trees Forever and an active member of the Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club since 2016. Billings and her husband Darin have been married for more than 10 years and are the proud parents of three energetic boys, ages 6, 4 and 18 months. She loves the outdoors, especially biking, hiking and gardening.
Thanks to the City of Marion and the Marion Sun for this information.