Liesl Seabert, CEcD, AICP

Liesl Seabert is passionate about helping communities and organizations become the best versions of themselves—building on their unique assets and connecting them to the right people, resources, and strategies to grow. As Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa’s Institute for Decision Making (IDM), she works with communities, economic development groups, and nonprofits across Iowa on strategic planning, organizational development, and placemaking initiatives. She is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and a certified planner (AICP) through the American Planning Association.

Liesl serves on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Rural Development Council, the Executive Committee of Keep Iowa Beautiful, and the Advisory Council for Main Street Iowa. She is also a proud alum of the Leadership Iowa Class of 2021–22. Outside of work, Liesl enjoys spending time with her family in Ankeny, volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association, and supporting coffee shops across Iowa. She holds both a Juris Doctor and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University.

UNI Institute for Decision Making, e-mail