2018 Municipal Professionals Institute INSTRUCTOR BIOS

Jenna Bishop Jenna joined the Ahlers & Cooney law firm in Des Moines, IA in 2017 as a member of the firm’s Public Law Practice Area, with a focus on economic development and urban renewal for ’s cities and counties. She advises municipalities on the utilization of various economic development tools and programs within Iowa. Jenna creates and amends urban renewal and urban revitalization plans, structures development agreements for commercial and residential development, and assists municipalities in the adoption process for these plans and agreements. Jenna is focused on assisting clients with creative ways to maintain, renew, and revitalize their communities.

During law school, Jenna was a 2016 Summer Associate with the Ahlers & Cooney law firm and also clerked specifically within the Public Law Practice Area of the firm during her final semester of law school. While in law school, Jenna competed on the ABA Negotiations and the ABA Client Counseling teams, worked on the Drake Law Review, serving as Executive Editor during her final year. Jenna received the 2017 Drake Law School Public Service Certificate for the completion of 60+ hours of uncompensated legal work in the public sector.

Curtis Brown Curtis Brown, CEcD is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Urbandale, Iowa. Prior to this position, he held positions in the Economic Development Department and City Manager’s Office for the City of Ankeny. Curtis has also worked as the Executive Director of the Mason City Economic Development Corporation and Community Development Director/Assistant City Administrator for Blue Earth, Minnesota. He has a BA from Saint John's University in Collegeville, MN and a Master's from the University of Texas in Austin, TX. Brown earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council in 2014.

Curtis can be reached at [email protected] or 515-331-6756.

Mary Brownwell At Ahlers & Cooney, Maria is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Public Finance & Law practice areas, serving public entities including cities, city utilities, counties, special districts, and other local governments. She represents clients in both the litigation and appeals process. Her representation of municipal entities includes litigation in federal and state courts as well as practice before administrative agencies in regard to such matters as public improvement contract litigation, open meetings, public records requests, and the exercise of home rule powers. Prior to joining Ahlers & Cooney, Maria was an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Iowa, Department of Inspections and Appeals. Prior to this, she practiced law at a Des Moines law firm in the areas of municipal law, family law, business law, and litigation. Upon graduation from law school, Maria served as a judicial law clerk to The Honorable Mark S. Cady, of the Iowa for three years.

Patrick Callahan Patrick Callahan has served as a city manager for Maquoketa, Iowa from 1978 to 1993 and city administrator for Anamosa, Iowa from 2006-2010. He has also served as a consultant to cities for the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa from 1993 to 2005. He worked as a municipal consultant for Snyder & Associates from 2010 to 2013. He established Callahan Municipal Consultants, LLC in 2013 and provides numerous consulting services to cities. He was appointed to the Jones County Board of Supervisors on September 25, 2016. He has a BA degree in political science from Loras College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Iowa.

Eric Christianson Eric Christianson has worked in community and economic development in various capacities in both the public and private sector. He provides training and support to local government employees and officials throughout the state in planning and zoning. Eric Christianson has a master degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University and a bachelor degree in Political Science from Loyola University in Chicago.

Jason Comisky Jason Comisky is the Procurement/Contract Practice Group Leader and a member of the firm’s Public Finance & Law and Corporate, Business & Tax practice areas. Within the Public Finance & Law practice area, Jason works closely with cities and counties on urban renewal and economic development issues, such as creating and amending urban renewal plans, drafting development agreements, and analyzing tax issues. He is focused on assisting clients with creative ways to maintain, renew and revitalize their communities. Jason partners with clients to develop a sound strategy to provide incentives to companies relocating and creating new jobs in the community. Within the Corporate, Business & Tax practice area, Jason provides general legal services to small businesses and individuals, such as mergers and acquisitions, business formations, contracts, estate planning, estate administration, and real estate transactions. Prior to joining Ahlers & Cooney, Jason practiced law in Dubuque and Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he represented private- sector clients in a wide range of matters including real estate transactions, contract review and drafting, private wealth transfer, mergers and acquisitions, and multiple credit facilities.

Molly Cormaney Molly Cormaney is the Customer Service Manager for Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) in Cedar Falls, Iowa. CFU is the largest four-service municipal utility in Iowa. Molly has worked for CFU for 24 years in the areas of marketing, human resources, and customer service. She currently serves on the board of trustees for the Cedar Falls Public Library. Molly holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, and she is adjunct faculty member at UNI.

Molly can be reached at [email protected] or (319) 268-5243.

Joyce Cortum, MMC Joyce has worked in local government since 1987, beginning as City Clerk for a community of 500 residents. She continued her education completing the Municipal Clerks Institute in 1991, and moved to the City of Norwalk, serving as City Clerk. As opportunity arose in 2004, Joyce made another career move to the City of Clive, first as Deputy City Clerk and City Clerk in 2014. She obtained her IIMC Certified Municipal Clerk designation in 1997, Iowa Certified Municipal Clerk in 2007, and IIMC Master Municipal Clerk designation in 2010.

Mark Cory Mark is a member of the Public Finance & Law practice area, whose members serve as finance and special counsel to many of Iowa’s cities, counties, K-12 school districts, public utilities, community colleges, public and private universities, and the Iowa Board of Regents. Collaborating primarily with cities, counties and public utilities, Mark provides counsel in the areas of finance, urban renewal, urban revitalization, special assessment and economic development. Mark was born in Nevada, Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa. He joined the Firm in 1986 after graduating with honors from Drake Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Order of Barristers. John Danos and Amy Bjork John Danos and Amy Bjork are attorneys in the Des Moines office of the Dorsey & Whitney law firm. They specialize in municipal law and finance, with a particular emphasis on general municipal finance and project construction, tax increment financing and economic development. John and Amy are graduates of the Law School. As "bond attorneys," they provide the legal services that are needed when cities issue bonds or notes to construct public projects, using general obligation debt service levies, utility revenue, special assessments road use tax revenues, local option tax revenues and other special revenue sources. They give opinions certifying that the issuer has complied with all applicable state and federal laws and that the interest income on the bonds or notes is exempt from federal income taxation. In addition, they provide guidance on the open meetings law, public bidding laws, adoption of ordinances and the various aspects of economic development. Together, they have helped hundreds of cities around the state with the establishment and development of urban renewal and tax increment financing projects. They have also created innovative methods of financing economic development projects, including TIF rebate agreements. They regularly provide advice and assistance to the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Iowa League of Cities."

John Danos serves public and private clients on municipal financings, complex local government matters and economic development transactions. He believes that innovation, excellence and teamwork are critical to achieving the best outcomes. Since 2002 John has helped cities, counties, special districts and private entities meet their goals through tax exempt and taxable municipal bond issues, private debt placements, lease purchase financings and other debt arrangements. John guides clients through state, federal tax law and federal securities law compliance issues. In addition, John has extensive experience in structuring economic development transactions involving tax increment financing, tax abatement and other local government support. John is a frequent presenter at local government conventions, legal seminars and public finance meetings on topics related to tax increment financing, economic development, municipal debt and complex local government issues.

Stephanie Downs Stephanie Downs is the ISU Wellbeing Coordinator at Iowa State University where she creates and leads the employee well-being strategies for over 6,500 employees. Stephanie has served in the worksite wellness/health promotion field for over 25 years, including employment with the City of Ames, Pioneer HiBred Int’l, and the West Des Moines Community Schools. She is a board member with the Healthiest Ames, on Iowa’s Healthiest State Conference planning team, a Certified Intrinsic Coach®, and a Certified Real Colors® facilitator. Stephanie earned her BS from Iowa State University and Master’s in Health Promotion from Nebraska Methodist College. As a mother of three active boys and wife to a high school coach, Stephanie knows the importance of energy and sustainability in our everyday lives! Stephanie’s passion is working with and developing people, worksites, and communities. She is a frequent presenter on worksite well-being, energy management, mindfulness, team building, and leadership for sustainable cultures. In 2016, she was recognized as one of WELCOA’s Top 50 Health Promotion Professionals.

Marlys K. Gaston, CPA, CGFM Marlys Gaston is a Director for Iowa’s Auditor of State’s Office and has worked for the office since 1985. Marlys is a graduate of Buena Vista University. As a Director in the Financial Audit Division, Marlys’ responsibilities include supervising and reviewing local government audits and City examinations and providing technical assistance and training to local governments and their auditors. She also participates in the Auditor’s Office Quality Review Program of CPA firm reports and work papers and is responsible for coordinating the Auditor’s Office in-house training program. Marlys is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Government Financial Manager and is a member of the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Government Accountants.

Paul Greufe Paul J. Greufe, SPHR has over 20 years of experience in all areas of Human Resources management. He is President of P.J. Greufe & Associates, a business partner specializing in Human Resources. His experience and expertise range from small businesses to large corporations and from private sector to public sector organizations. He has instructed more than 150 graduate and undergraduate courses. He has made many professional presentations and holds Board Affiliations and Association Memberships. His undergraduate degree is from Drake University and he holds a masters degree from St. Ambrose University. He has taught a variety of management and human resources courses and seminars at St. Ambrose University, Clarke College, the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

Amanda Grutzmacher, AICP Amanda Grutzmacher graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Community & Regional Planning and Environmental Studies with a minor in Political Science in 2012. She continued her education at University of Wisconsin where she received a Masters of Urban & Regional Planning. Amanda’s primary research interests include environmental planning, food systems, and implementation of Geographical Information Systems. While pursuing her education, Amanda held internship positions with Iowa State University’s Facilities Planning and Management and Environmental Health and Safety, and the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Location and Environment. Following completion of her Master’s degree in 2014, Amanda worked as City Planner for Warrensburg, Missouri. Amanda joined the City of Clive as Planner/GIS Specialist in June 2017.

Beth Grob Beth Grob is a shareholder in the law firm of Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. in Des Moines, Iowa. Beth received her B.A. in 1988 from the University of Mississippi, her M.A. from the University of Missouri in 1990, and her J.D. with honors from Drake University in 1996. Beth has been practicing in the public finance area since joining the firm after graduation.

Mark Jackson Jackson has been the City Administrator of Story City, Iowa since October 1993. He is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Iowa State University and Grand View University, a Past President of the Iowa City/County Management Association, a current Iowa Great Places Board Member and a past Board Member of the Iowa League of Cities Guest. He has been a guest speaker for many conferences and organizations, including: United Nations Poverty Conference in Kiev, Ukraine, Leadership Iowa, Iowa State Association of Counties, Iowa Department of Economic Development Smart Growth Conference, Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association and Iowa Police Chiefs Association. He earned a BA and MPA from Western Michigan University.

Krisdeena Jansen Krisdeena Jansen works as a Learning and Development Consultant with Iowa State University. She designs, develops, and facilitates professional development programs for ISU staff, and hopes to engage learners to think critically about problem solving and leadership development. Prior to her position at Iowa State University, she coordinated and development training programs for the Department of Defense in Washington, DC and worked for a local non-profit as a drug and alcohol educator in K-12 schools in Polk County. Krisdeena is a first generation college graduate where she earned her Bachelors of Science from ISU and her Master’s in Leadership Development from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. In her free time she plays “zombie chase” with her 6 year old son and plays catch with her two border collies.

Bob Josten For nearly 40 years, Bob has provided legal advice and counsel to city and county officials related to the issuance of tax exempt municipal bonds used to finance public infrastructure improvements and economic development projects at Dorsey & Whitney, LLP in Des Moines, IA. In addition to his expertise in the field of tax exempt bonds, Bob has emphasized the importance of using various local government tools and incentives that promote private economic development projects. He has provided advice to members of the in drafting and revising state laws that impact economic development, including urban renewal and tax increment financing, property tax abatement and exemptions and special taxing districts. Bob is a frequent speaker at conferences of local government and economic development officials.

Paul Kruse Paul joined the Prudent Man Advisors (PMA) firm in 2011 and is responsible for marketing PMA’s Financial Planning Program (PMA FPP™), as well as PMA Securities’ Bond Proceeds Management (PMA BPM) program and Cash Flow Management programs throughout the state of Iowa. He also heads marketing of the Iowa Schools Joint Investment Trust (ISJIT) program, a role he has had since 1992. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and holds series 52 and 63 FINRA licenses.

Robert Jester President of Jester Insurance Services, Inc., Bob has over 40 years experience in commercial lines insurance with extensive involvement in governmental insurance accounts. He is currently Managing Agent for the Iowa Association of School Boards and Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities. He is Past-President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. In addition to the Municipal Clerks' Institute, Bob has spoken to the Municipal Finance Officers, Iowa Association of School Boards, Iowa Petroleum Marketers and many other Iowa organizations in Insurance and Risk Management, including area city clerks' groups.

Alan Kemp Alan Kemp earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Journalism from the University of Iowa in 1984. Alan completed the post graduate Lawyer’s Assistant Program at Roosevelt University in Chicago in 1985 and was employed for two years as a legal assistant with the Tom Riley Law Firm in Cedar Rapids. Relocating to Des Moines, Alan worked as a legal assistant for the Watson & Gajdel Law Office until 1994. Alan became the League’s Executive Director on December 31, 2007, after serving as Director of Membership Services for five years. Prior to joining the League in 1999 as the Assistant Director of Member Services department, Alan served two years as the City Administrator for the city of Mitchellville, Iowa, and three years as the Administrative Assistant for the city of Windsor Heights, Iowa.

In his role as Executive Director, Alan serves as the Administrator for the Iowa Municipalities Workers’ Compensation Association (IMWCA). Alan also serves as an ex-officio member of the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) and the Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust (IPAIT) boards.

Alan currently serves on the National League of Cities Board of Directors and is a member of the Presidential Election Taskforce. Alan is currently serving as the chair of the State League Steering Committee. He has also served on the National League of Cities Advisory Committee and as Vice-Chair of the International City Management Association Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee.

Cindy Kendall Cindy is the Extension Specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for Municipal Finance. Working in the Office of State and Local Government Programs, Cindy is Director for the Iowa Municipal Institute and Academy as well as a resource at the Iowa League of Cities. She has been involved in municipal government for over 30 years. She earned a B.A. from Upper Iowa University in 1978, MPA in Public Administration from Iowa State University in 2013 and graduated from the Municipal Clerk's Institute in 1981. In 1995 she received her certificate as Government Financial Manager from the Assoc. of Government Accountants. Cindy was the Finance Officer/City Treasurer in Marshalltown and City Clerk in Grundy Center and Strawberry Point. Cindy served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association, the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa and various other committees and mentoring programs. She currently serves as chair to the City Finance Committee.

Donna F. Kruger, CPA, CGFM Donna Kruger is a Manager for Iowa’s Auditor of State’s Office and has worked for the office since 1987. Donna is a graduate of Buena Vista University. As a Manager in the Financial Audit Division, Donna’s primary responsibilities include supervising and reviewing local government audits and providing technical assistance technical assistance and training to local governments and their auditors. She is also actively involved in the Auditor’s Office Quality Review Program of CPA firm reports and work papers as well as reaudits of local governments. In addition, Donna is responsible for updating the Auditor’s Office sample reports and audit programs for use by local government auditors. Donna is also a Certified Government Financial Manager and a member of the Association of Government Accountants.

Mark Mertens Mark was hired as the City of Clive's first Code Enforcement officer in May of 2009. Mark's mission is to help provide, promote, and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment within the City of Clive. Mark has done this by applying a fair and unbiased approach to Code Enforcement that promotes voluntary compliance of Code Violations by building relationships with the residents through policies focused on public outreach and education.

Mark was born and raised in Johnston Iowa, the same town he has currently started to make plans to build a house with his wife Ali and daughter Holliday. After graduating from Johnston Senior High School Mark studied at Des Moines Area Community College until he transferred a year later to Iowa State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Marketing.

Mark has achieved the communication skills to be an effective Code Enforcement Officer by owning multiple small businesses since he was the age of 20 years old. Mark and his wife Ali, still own and operate a fabrication and manufacturing company in Johnston Iowa where Ali has taken over all of the day to day operations. Being an effective Code Enforcement Officer is not defined as how well you know the Code,that can be researched, it's your ability to work with individuals through education and communication to persuade them to voluntarily bring their property back into compliance with an ordinance they may not understand or agree with.

Dustin Miller Dustin Miller is a member of the Governmental Affairs Department at Nyemaster Goode, P.C. His law practice is primarily focused on representing clients as a lobbyist at the Iowa Legislature and with agencies of the State of Iowa but also practices law in the areas of environmental and water quality, municipal law, economic development and public finance. Prior to moving to Nyemaster, he was the General Counsel for the Iowa League of Cities after serving two years as the Director of Government Affairs. He was primarily responsible for the League's state legislative activities and providing legal guidance to member cities. This work included federal and state regulatory work on environmental compliance issues. He began working closely with member cities on the development of a nutrient reduction exchange with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and continues to lead that work on behalf of the League.

He was raised in Lacona, Iowa (pop. 363) and returned to the state in 2012 after working in Washington DC in the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture with Tribal Governments in multiple agency areas that included federal environmental compliance for large telecommunications and wastewater infrastructure projects. He also worked on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation with a non-profit he founded to spur economic development and worked in Houses of Parliament for Alistair Burt MP for NE Bedfordshire.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and his law degree from Drake Law School where he also received a certificate in Food & Agriculture Law.

Robert Palmer Robert Palmer currently serves as the General Counsel and Director of Governmental Affairs for the Iowa League of Cities. Robert received a Bachelor’s of Arts from Drake University with a concentration in Law, Politics, and Society. He earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Drake Law School where he specialized in Legislative Practice. He is a graduate of the 2015 Drake University Alumni Executive Round Table and the West Des Moines Leadership Academy. In 2015, Robert was appointed by the governor as the public member to the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy and also serves on the Board of Directors for the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and West Des Moines Community Foundation. Robert is currently a member of the Iowa Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association. He currently lives in West Des Moines with his wife, Kelly, and four month old son, Braydon.

Heather Roberts Heather Roberts is a transplanted Iowan, having moved from Moberly, Missouri, to accept an academic scholarship from Drake University in Des Moines. It was through her class work at Drake that Heather began working with Iowa League of Cities in 1996. After earning her degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake, Heather accepted a full-time position with the League in 1997. She is now the Director of Information Services, the department responsible for the League's print and electronic communications, computer network, conference administration and technology strategy.

Jennifer Rodenbeck Jennifer Rodenbeck, CPA, CPFO, is the Director of Finance & Business Operations for the City of Cedar Falls. She has been with the City for 21 years. In her job with the City she oversees the annual audit, annual budget, CIP, accounting, payroll, public records, clerk’s office, IT, legal services, parking, human resources, and is the liaison to the library. Prior to coming to the City of Cedar Falls, she worked for a CPA firm for 5 years where she did taxes, compilations and several audits of cities, school districts, and other governmental entities.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in accounting and earned her CPA designation. She also earned the Certified Public Financial Officer designation from GFOA. The City of Cedar Falls has received the GFOA achievement in financial reporting for the past several years.

Teresa Rotschafer Ms. Rotschafer is the Finance/Human Resources Director for the City of Johnston, Iowa since November 2005. In her Finance Director role, she provides administrative oversight of all operations and activities of the Finance Department, including the managing of a $40 Million budget for one of the fastest growing suburb in the Des Moines Metro area. She plans, organizes and directs the operations of the department and supervises department staff. In her current position, she serves on the management team for labor negotiations with three unions: AFSCME, IAFF and Teamsters. In her previous position, she was the City Manager for the City of Webster City, Iowa where she was employed for 25 years. She reported to a five-member Council and represented the City’s management for all negotiations involving three unions. She served in a number of roles leading up to her City Manager position including Assistant City Manager, Human Resources/Budget Director, and other administrative positions. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Graceland University, Associates of Business Degree in Business Management from AIB College of Business and a Public Sector Personnel Management Certificate through the University of Minnesota. She has served as the President of National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA) in 2009-2010, NPELRA Liaison to the Board and Past Board Member/President of the Iowa Public Employer Labor Relations Association, and has membership in the Iowa City/County Management Association, Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association, and Iowa League of Cities.

Becky Schuett Becky is a lifelong Iowa girl, growing up in Cascade in eastern Iowa. After graduating Cascade High School, Becky attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and English. After college, she moved to Des Moines for her first job at WHO-TV, where she worked behind the scenes in production and master control, eventually working her way up to director of the morning newscast. Becky then went to work at Wells Fargo Financial, proofreading legal documents and assisting in business contingency planning. In 2001, looking to shorten her commute and seeing that the City of Waukee was looking for a city hall receptionist, she submitted a resumé, thinking she didn’t have the skills for the job. 16 years later, she’s still with Waukee, where she’s held positions as receptionist, code compliance secretary, deputy city clerk starting in 2005 and city clerk since 2013.

Roxanne Schneider Roxanne Schneider has been the City Clerk for the City of Dysart, Iowa, for the past 30 years. She holds the Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, is an Iowa Certified Municipal Clerk and an Iowa Certified Municipal Finance Officer. She is a member of the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association, and served as the state association president in 2007. She has been a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks since 1985, served on the Board of Directors from 2011 – 2014, and currently serves on the IIMC Conference Committee.

Jeff Schott Jeff Schott is currently Program Director of the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa. The Institute of Public Affairs is a resource organization to Iowa's local governments since 1949. As an outreach service of the University of Iowa, the Institute provides organizational improvement programs for local government elected officials and staff, including: Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Educational Programs and Information Professional Development Public Management Assistance Information and Publications. Prior to this position, he was City Manager in Marion for almost 20 years. He has also served in Planning and Community Development position in Marion, Muscatine and Utica, New York, as well as serving as Economic Development Coordinator for the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. He has a Masters degree from the University of Iowa and a Bachelors degree from the State University of New York at Albany.

George Standifer George Standifer is a graduate student in the Rhetoric and Professional Communication program at Iowa State University. Before arriving at ISU, he taught at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for seven years, including two years teaching technical communication, which he created. He has an M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee and a B.A. in History from Emory University at Atlanta, Georgia. Before and during his stint as a teacher, George has worked as a graphic designer, technical writer, and speechwriter for various industries including government, medical, transportation, and industrials. His research interests include visual rhetoric, rhetoric of sports, technical communication, scientific communication, visual communication, visual literacy, and poetics.

Mark Tomb, Director of Membership Services, Iowa League of Cities Mark joined the Iowa League of Cities in August 2008 as Director of Membership Services. Mark provides technical assistance and trainings to cities on a variety of municipal issues. Before joining the Iowa League of Cities, Mark worked for the League of Kansas Municipalities from 2001-2008, where he coordinated training programs for city officials and represented the interests of cities as a lobbyist. Mark grew up in Manhattan, Kansas and attended Kansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. He also studied community development at what is now known as Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Megan Tooker Megan Tooker is the Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. She graduated with highest honors from the Drake Law School in Des Moines, Iowa and is a member of the Order of the Coif. Upon graduation, Megan clerked for former Justice Michael J. Streit of the Supreme Court of Iowa. Prior to her obtaining her current position with the Board, she was an associate attorney at the law firm of Reynoldson, Van Werden & Reynoldson, L.L.P. in Osceola, Iowa

Diane Voss Diane is the Ames City Clerk and Records Manager. She has been employed with the City of Ames for 35 years, working in Police Records and Administration, Planning & Housing, Fire Department Administration, and as Deputy City Clerk before being appointed to her current position in 1998. Diane attended Northwestern College in Orange City. She is a 2001 graduate of the Municipal Clerk’s Institute, currently holds membership in the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association, the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and has been a Clerk Mentor through the Iowa League of Cities.

Denise Vrchota Denise Vrchota is an assistant professor in the English Department at Iowa State University. She earned her BA from UNI (1971) in English, MA from ISU (1976) in English, Speech, and Journalism, and Ph.D. from ISU in 1989 in Adult and Extension Education. She has been a faculty member at ISU since 1976 and teaches courses in communication training, intercultural, and conflict communication.

Chrissi Wiersma Chrissi Wiersma was born and raised in Iowa. Chrissi attended Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, MO to earn her pilot’s license. After a year, she transferred to Minnesota West Community College in Worthington, MN to earn an Associates in Arts degree. After graduation, Chrissi took time off to marry her Kindergarten Sweetheart and to raise her four boys. In 2009, she went back to school to receive her Bachelors in Business Management degree from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN. In 2011, Chrissi began her career in city government with City Clerk positions in Ocheyedan, IA and Harris, IA. In 2015, Chrissi and her family settled down in Hudson, IA to take a position as City Clerk where she hopes to have a long career in a fast growing city. Chrissi is currently seeking a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Project Management at Capella University in Minneapolis, MN with a tentative end date of 2019.

Dawn Williams Dawn Williams is the Director of Elections serving under the administration of Secretary of State Paul Pate. Prior to that she served as Marshall County Auditor and Recorder and Election Director from 1988 through 2014. Dawn is a Nationally Certified Election and Registration Administrator. Dawn served on both the 2000 and 2004 National Task Force on Election Reform serving as Task Force Co-Chair in 2004. Dawn also testified before the Presidential Commission on Election Reform in 2013. Currently Dawn serves on the Professional Education Board and a member of the Professional Practices Program for the Election Center. Dawn is married to husband, Ted, and they have two sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

Daniel Zomermaand Dan is responsible for leading the sales and client service efforts for local government entities. He is dedicated to strengthening client communications and relationships, developing sales and marketing plans, and determining how best to meet the needs of government entity participants. Dan has devoted the majority of his career to serving the financial needs of public entities. Prior to joining Miles Capital, Dan was most recently VP, Public Finance with Northland Securities, where he served as financial advisor to a number of Iowa public entities. Previously, he also led creation of financing plans for municipalities during his tenure with Ruan Securities as AVP, Public Finance. Dan earned his B.A. degree from Northwestern College and his MBA from Drake University. He holds FINRA series 7 and 63 securities licenses.