ICDD Welcomes Keyon Shelby as
(Iowa City, IA) March 10, 2025 – The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) announced Monday, the promotion of Keyon Shelby to Operations Manager of the Downtown Iowa City Ambassador program. In this role, Shelby will oversee the program’s daily operations, manage a team of 13 Ambassadors—including two Team Leads—and drive continuous program improvements to enhance the cleanliness, hospitality, and safety within the central downtown business district.
Shelby has been an integral part of the Downtown Ambassador program since its launch in June 2024, demonstrating exceptional dedication and leadership. Starting as a Team Lead for the Cleaning Ambassadors, he quickly advanced to being the Head Team Lead and Supervisor in training. He has now been selected to become the Operations Manager, showcasing his commitment to the program’s mission. “I am honored to take on this new role and continue serving the Iowa City community,” said Keyon Shelby. “From the beginning, I’ve been passionate about making downtown a welcoming and clean environment. I look forward to leading our team and further enhancing the downtown experience for everyone.”
Recognizing his potential, Block by Block Management Systems has selected Shelby for their Leadership Development Program. This opportunity, reserved for select individuals within their organization, provides advanced training to effectively lead the Ambassador team. This specialized training will bolster his ability to drive program success and ensure the team continues to deliver exceptional service.
The Downtown Iowa City Ambassador program, a collaborative partnership between the City of Iowa City and the ICDD, is managed by Block by Block and designed to provide a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the specific needs of downtown Iowa City. Beyond basic cleaning and hospitality, the Ambassadors act as vital community liaisons. They proactively address issues such as infrastructure maintenance, power washing, graffiti abatement, and sidewalk cleanup. Furthermore, the Ambassadors extend hospitality services by offering wayfinding assistance and after-hours escorts, providing directions and information to visitors and community members. Their work enhances the overall pedestrian experience, creating a more inviting and safe environment for residents and visitors.
The Ambassador program is crucial in maintaining a clean and welcoming downtown, which also includes the upkeep of the six downtown parking garages. To ensure seamless coordination and up-to-date information, the Ambassadors hold weekly meetings with ICDD, the City of Iowa City, and Transportation Services. These meetings foster open communication and collaboration, enabling the group to address emerging issues effectively. “Keyon’s progression within the ambassador program is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown since day one,” said Darian Nagle-Gamm, Director of Transportation Services at the City of Iowa City. “We are excited to see him step into this leadership role and continue to make a positive impact on our downtown.”
Downtown business and community members are encouraged to utilize the Ambassador program’s services by calling or texting the service line at 319-452-0608 for any downtown needs or concerns.
