Tanager is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Chris Casey to its Foundation Board and to formally recognize Sarah Van Deest, who began serving on the Foundation Board in November 2025. Their leadership, professional expertise, and deep commitment to the Cedar Rapids community help strengthen Tanager’s mission to empower youth and families through prevention, treatment, and outreach services.
Chris Casey is a founding partner and Investment Strategist at Private Wealth Asset Management, bringing more than 30 years of investment experience. She specializes in developing income solutions and leads her firm’s asset allocation and portfolio optimization strategies. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Casey has a long history of community leadership. She serves on the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Board, where she chairs the Investment Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a Trustee for the Cedar Rapids Public Library and chairs its Finance Committee. Casey is passionate about supporting children and families, noting that early intervention and treatment not only help individual families, but strengthen the entire community.
Sarah Van Deest joined the Foundation Board in November 2025. Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, she has a strong connection to the community she serves. After graduating from the University of Iowa’s Adler School of Journalism & Mass Communication, she returned to her hometown to begin a career in community organizing. Throughout her work, Van Deest has cultivated meaningful relationships, advanced mission-driven initiatives, and demonstrated a deep commitment to creating opportunity across the Corridor. Her background in communications and community engagement supports Tanager’s outreach and philanthropic efforts.
Together, Casey and Van Deest strengthen Tanager’s ability to expand access to mental health services and invest in innovative programs that support children and families throughout Eastern Iowa.