Community Relations Coordinator

Barbara Elam is responsible for representing and communicating the mission and raising the awareness about Cedar Memorial to individuals, families and organizations throughout the Greater Cedar Rapids Community, particularly those who have been previously underserved by services and facilities available through Cedar Memorial. 

Ms Barbara S. Elam is a long time resident of Cedar Rapids who has been active in her community while enjoying a variety of employment opportunities. 

Barbara was employed for many years as a Loan Officer at Merchants Bank and also served as their Community Liaison/Public Relations Director.  Ms Elam also worked for 14 years as a Truant Officer for the Cedar Rapids School system.  Her duties included working with the court system, parents and teachers of students with truancy and handling social and discipline problems. Ms Elam was hired by Governor Harold Hughes to develop jobs for the hard to employ. In this capacity she developed numerous jobs at Collins Radio and other local companies. 

Ms Elam has served on many boards and committees. She has served as a United Way coach who worked with businesses and individuals to assist their annual fund raising efforts. For the past eight years Barbara has lent her singing talent as a regular participant at the Follies. Ms Elam sang the National Anthem at the ESPN Boxing Tournament and continues to sing at weddings, funerals and in various church choirs.