MAPA Executive Director leaving agency for new position

After more than 18 years at the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), Executive Director Greg Youell announced Wednesday he is leaving to accept a position with Spirit Catholic Radio Network.  Youell has been employed by MAPA since 2002 and has served as Executive Director since December 2012.

Youell began his employment as a transportation planner. He was promoted to Transportation & Data Manager in 2008.

Youell will remain at MAPA through July. The MAPA Board of Directors will launch a search for Youell’s successor.

“Greg has been an excellent leader for MAPA. Under his leadership, MAPA expanded its services and assistance to communities in the six-county region it serves in southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa and increased revenues,” said LaVista Mayor Doug Kindig, chair of MAPA’s Board of Directors.  “Greg has helped build MAPA into a recognized leader in regional collaboration through Heartland 2050, disaster recovery and resilience assistance, transportation planning and community and economic development. The board is grateful to Greg for his service to MAPA and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

In his new position, Youell will become Operations Director for Spirit Catholic Radio Network based in Omaha.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work at MAPA and to assist our member communities. MAPA is on very solid ground to continue its work in helping move the region forward,” said Youell. “My faith is an important part of my life and I am leaving for a new adventure which provides me an opportunity to work in support of it.”

Youell and his wife, Tracie, reside in Omaha with their seven children.