Linn-Mar Welcomes New District Leadership Effective July 1, 2025
Please join us in welcoming six individuals into new leadership roles with the Linn-Mar Community School District.
Anne Faber – Executive Director of Student Support Services
Anne Faber is joining Linn-Mar as the new Executive Director of Student Support Services following the retirement of Melissa Frick.
Anne comes to Linn-Mar from the Cedar Rapids Community School District where she has worked as the Director of Special Services since 2016. She previously worked at Keystone Area Education Agency as an Assistant Sector Coordinator and Special Education Consultant.
Anne holds a master’s degree in educational administration from St. Ambrose University and earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Dubuque.
Colleen Fangman – Linn Grove Elementary Principal
Colleen Fangman has been named the new Principal at Linn Grove Elementary. Colleen will replace Lori Manley who is moving to a new role within the Linn-Mar district.
Colleen previously worked for the Cedar Rapids Community School District since 2016. Most recently she served as an associate middle school principal and as an early learning program administrator.
Earlier in her career Colleen was an induction coach and early education consultant at Grant Wood Area Education Agency, and she began her education career as an elementary teacher for Center Point-Urbana.
Chris Fechner – Athletic Director
Chris Fechner is the high school’s new Athletic Director following Tonya Moe’s move to the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.
Chris most recently worked as Linn-Mar High School’s Assistant Athletic Director and as an engagement specialist with Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. Chris also has worked as a teacher, athletic director and middle school principal with school districts in South Dakota. Chris has been head coach for boys and girls basketball teams in both Cedar Rapids and South Dakota.
Chris has a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from the University of South Dakota and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Sioux Falls. He also holds the rank of First Sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard.
Dan Hammes – Associate Athletic Director
Dan Hammes will be Linn-Mar’s new Associate Athletic Director, filling the role that opened as Chris Fechner moved into the Athletic Director position.
Dan brings more than 17 years of experience in athletic administration, coaching, and operational leadership to his role with Linn-Mar. He has worked in leadership roles with local private organizations, and served as both the athletic commissioner and deputy athletic commissioner for the American Rivers Conference.
Chad Lang – Director of High School Teaching and Learning
Chad Lang has been selected as the new Director of High School Teaching and Learning following the retirement of Mark Hutcheson.
Since 2021, Chad has worked at the Glenwood Community School District as the Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement and Human Resources. He also has experience as a district activities director and assistant middle school principal in Missouri, and has worked as a classroom teacher in both Iowa and Missouri.
Lori Manley – Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning
Lori Manley has been named Linn-Mar’s new Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning following the retirement of Karla Ries.
Lori most recently served as principal at Linn Grove Elementary, a role she held since 2020. She has also worked as a summer school coordinator, instructional coach, Extended School Year facilitator/principal, and elementary teacher, all within the Linn-Mar district.
Lori earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mt. Mercy University. She also holds two master’s degrees, one in educational administration from Drake University, and another in professional education from Morningside College.