CEO of Cedar Rapids Ball Club Announces Retirement

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (23 December 2024) – The Cedar Rapids Baseball Club (CRBC), owners of both the Cedar Rapid Kernels and the Waterloo Bucks baseball teams announce plans for the retirement of CRBC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Doug Nelson.

“It has been an honor to be part of the Cedar Rapids Baseball Club organization for over 20 years,” said Nelson. “I am proud of the many accomplishments achieved by the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Waterloo Bucks baseball teams and the management staff. I am grateful for the tremendous support I have received from the staff, board of directors, baseball organizations and the Eastern Iowa community. Announcing my retirement is bittersweet as I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family, but I will truly miss working with my baseball counterparts.”

Nelson joined the CRBC in 2003. During his time with the ballclub, the organization grew with the acquisition of the Waterloo Bucks, expansion of the food and beverage operations, many community events hosted by both Riverfront and Veterans Memorial Stadiums and the addition of a catering business. He also successfully led the organization through some challenging times, most recently the COVID pandemic, in which the 2020 Kernels season was canceled and the 2021 season shortened, the Derecho, when Veterans Memorial Stadium sustained $2M in damage and the contraction of minor league baseball, with 40 minor league teams being eliminated. The club not only survived these events, but has maintained a solid financial foundation, built strong relationships with its key partners and enjoyed success on the field to include the 2023 Midwest League Championship.

The CRBC has engaged Bowlsby Sports Advisors to conduct a national search for a new Chief Executive Officer. The CRBC hopes to announce a CEO designate prior to the Kernels baseball season opener in April 2025. Once onboard, the CEO designate will work alongside Doug to transition into the role.

“Doug has done an outstanding job of leading the organization for the past twenty years,” said Greg Churchill CRBC Board President. “Doug has navigated both the Kernels and the Bucks through some challenging times and with his leadership we are well positioned for the future. He has built key relationships with the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball, The Cities of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, numerous Sponsors, Suppliers and of course the fans. The Board Of Directors will miss Doug’s steady hand, and wish JoAnn and Doug nothing but the best in the future.”