Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress (GOPIP) is pleased to announce the addition of Emma Paxton as the organization’s new Investor & Events Coordinator.
Paxton brings a strong background in relationship building, community engagement, economic development and event planning to the position. Most recently, she served as a Key Account Manager with Alliant Energy, where she worked closely with communities, chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, large industrial and commercial customers, and internal and external stakeholders.
Her previous experience also includes work in community engagement, event planning, marketing and finance, giving her a broad range of skills that will support GOPIP’s efforts to strengthen relationships with its investors, coordinate events and advance initiatives throughout the Greater Ottumwa area.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Emma to the GOPIP team,” said GOPIP Executive Director Marc Roe. “She brings a wealth of experience in business engagement, event production and volunteer organization. Her commitment to the Wapello County area, as well as her proven leadership prowess, will help the organization and the community grow.” A lifelong Ottumwa resident, Paxton said her connection to the community is a major part of what drew her to the position. For her, relationship building goes beyond simply making connections—it means developing those relationships over time and bringing people and organizations together around shared goals.
“Ottumwa has always been home, and I want to help more people see and love this community the way I do,” Paxton said. “My goal has always been to build relationships—not just make a connection, but continue to grow it. I’m excited for the opportunity to bring people and organizations together, strengthen those relationships and help Ottumwa continue to succeed.”
Paxton is also nearing completion of her bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications, with a minor in business, from Simpson College.
In her new role, Paxton will work closely with GOPIP investors and community partners while helping coordinate the organization’s events, programs and engagement efforts.
“We have so many people and organizations who care deeply about the future of this community,” Paxton said. “I’m excited to be part of that work and help build on the momentum already happening in Ottumwa.”
