Community Leadership Program (CLP) Announces 2024-2025 Cohort

Posted August 23, 2024

Greater Iowa City, Inc.’s premier leadership program was created in 1990 to foster informed, well-equipped, invested leaders. Through the program’s life, more than 700 current and future leaders have gained insight into the issues, opportunities, strengths, and challenges within our community. Greater IC is proud to announce the 2024-2025 CLP cohort and launch another year of leadership development.

Alex Gansen

Bio

Alex Gansen is a Cedar Rapids, Iowa native and earned his degree in Accounting from Iowa State University. With a diverse professional background encompassing futures trading, trucking, construction, and energy sectors, Alex currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at University of Iowa Energy Collaborative. He resides in North Liberty with his wife Ashley and their two daughters, Belle and Ayla.

Alissa Schuerer

Bio

Alissa has lived and worked in Johnson County for over 20 years, spending the last 16 years working for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. In her role as a criminal investigator she has focused serving survivors of intimate partner violence. Alissa enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and dog.

Andy Picchietti

Bio

Andy is a financial advisor with Midwestern Financial Group and has called the Iowa City area home for the past eight years. He’s a proud University of Iowa Alum and loves cheering on the Hawkeyes. When he’s not working with clients, you’ll find him at local events, on the golf course, or giving back through various charitable activities.

Angela Millard

Bio

Angela Millard is the event assistant for the City of North Liberty where she plans various events for residents and visitors. Her primary focus has been laying the groundwork for North Liberty’s new Event Hall and Amphitheatre at Centennial Park, which will open in fall 2025. Prior to working at the City, Angela held her most challenging and rewarding position as a stay-at-home mom, and earlier in her career, worked in various capacities in event management and entertainment. In her free time, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, Dillon, and Ada and volunteering at her church.

Bethany Gorsch

Bio

Bethany MW Gorsch is Vice President, Treasury Management Team Leader at Hills Bank in Iowa City. She graduated from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and has worked in Treasury Management for the past ten years. Bethany was born and raised in Williamsburg, Iowa which is where she currently resides. She has been an Iowa City Area Chamber Ambassador, served on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees, and continues to volunteer her time with 4-H and FFA in both Iowa and Johnson Counties.

Brady Dorman

Bio

Brady Dorman is an architect and project manager at OPN Architects with over 13 years of experience. He has led and contributed to a wide range of projects, including higher-education, K-12 schools, and other civic-focused buildings. Originally from Cedar Rapids, Brady returned to eastern Iowa after graduating from Iowa State in 2011 and now lives in Iowa City with his wife and their two children. He enjoys keeping up with his kids' activities, home improvement projects, hiking and biking local trails, traveling, and staying engaged in the community.

Brandon Hove

Bio

Brandon has built a successful career at McComas-Lacina, where he started in 2008, as a project manager and estimator. Today, Brandon works mainly on the up-front pre-construction processes of estimating and scheduling. With three decades of construction experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his position. He grew up in central Iowa and graduated from Northern Iowa with a Construction Management degree. Outside of work, Brandon loves to spend time with his wife, Abby and their 4 boys, watching sporting events and playing golf.

Christopher Cruz

Bio

Christopher is a Victim/Witness Coordinator with the Johnson County Attorney’s Office. He has over 8 years of experience in the criminal justice industry working with victims and violent crimes. When he is not out saving the world, he sits at home with his dog Lily (who is as silly as he is). Originally from California, he moved to Iowa when he was a young lad at 11 and is currently searching for the best pepperoni pizza in Iowa City. In his spare time, he tries his best not to draw masterpieces.

Danielle Sitzman

Bio

A certified planner, Danielle is the Development Services Coordinator for the City of Iowa City, where she has worked since 2018. In her role, Danielle coordinates activities related to Urban Planning and Building Inspection services. Danielle has also held positions as the Community Development Director and Building Official for the City of Mission, Kansas and City Planner for the City of Raymore, Missouri. She has a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa and holds International Code Council certification. At home, Danielle is a dog mom to German Shepherd dogs and lover of hockey, sci-fi, and her husband Nick.

Derek Logas

Bio

Derek Logas is a dedicated community banker with 20 years of experience. Originally from Burlington, Iowa, Derek moved to Iowa City after graduating from Iowa State University. He began his career at MidWestOne Bank 15 years ago as a teller in the Downtown Iowa City office and has since risen to the role of manager of the Coralville branch. Outside of work, Derek enjoys watching both Iowa and Iowa State sporting events, attending performances at Riverside Theatre, and relaxing with friends on the many patios in the area -- always with a cold drink in hand.

Emily Bothell

Bio

Emily Bothell, AICP is the Senior Associate Transportation Planner at the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) in Iowa City, Iowa, where she leads project teams and coordinates with local governments on transportation issues. She has extensive experience in preparing transportation studies, managing state and federal grants, and using advanced transportation software, including travel demand modeling, traffic signal timing, and Geographic Information Systems. Previously, Emily worked as a Transportation Planner at West Central Initiative in Minnesota, where she managed active transportation projects across nine counties. Emily holds a Master of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Sports Studies with a Certificate in Public Health, all from The University of Iowa. In addition to her professional roles, Emily has been actively involved in the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Iowa). Outside of work, Emily loves adventuring outdoors with her husband and two children.

Evan Doyle

Bio

Evan is the Program Manager for Community and Economic Development at Greater Iowa City, Inc. He is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa's School of Planning and Public Affairs. Evan likes to work on community initiatives involving housing, transportation, and other quality of life factors. In his free time, Evan likes to be outside visiting new parks and trails, ride his bike, watch basketball, and spend time with his puppy, Tini!

Hai Huynh

Bio

Hai Huynh is a proud Vietnamese immigrant, mother, and advocate committed to building a more inclusive and connected local community. Professionally, Hai works as an Associate Director with the Coralville Community Food Pantry and has served as an elected member of the Coralville City Council since 2020. HAi graduated from the University of Iowa in 2001 and has called Coralville home for the past 23 years, where she lives with her husband and four children. She is an avid adventure-seeker, jumping at any chance to be outdoors, whether for a short hike or getting lost in the woods while foraging for wild edibles. She doesn't take herself too seriously and loves a good, hearty laugh. She cares deeply about the world around her and seizes any opportunity to make it better for all.

Jennifer Nguyen

Bio

Jennifer Nguyen is a dedicated professional with under a year of real estate experience, complemented by over 13 years in tax and bookkeeping experience, with a focus on real estate and construction. As a first-generation American, born to Vietnamese immigrants, she is proud to have graduated from college with a degree in finance and accounting. She is skilled and passionate about helping her community to achieve the dream of homeownership. Beyond her professional life, she is a devoted single mother. She is also an avid traveler and food enthusiast, who loves exploring new cultures and culinary experiences.

Jennifer Schwickerath

Bio

Jennifer is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Iowa City, where she focuses on litigation, human resources, transportation services, the fire department, and the airport. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Iowa, a Master of Taxation from the University of Denver, and is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law. Prior to working for the City, she was in private practice and served as the Chickasaw County Attorney. Jennifer enjoys leisurely breakfasts, hiking and spending time outdoors with her spouse and dog, George.

John Weyer

Bio

John is Distribution Plant Manager at ENGIE North America at the University of Iowa. In partnership with UI, ENGIE operates the University’s utility systems providing electricity, steam, chilled water and water to the UI campuses. With a 38 year career in the electric and gas utility business, John has broad experience in utility operations, engineering, business development, finance, regulatory, project management and process improvement. As a resident of the Cedar Rapids – Iowa City corridor for over 30 years, John also has volunteered extensively with non-profit social services organizations and Scouting. John’s education includes a Bachelor in Electric Power Engineering and a Master in Business Administration. John resides in Coralville with his partner Teresa.

Karyl Bohnsack

Bio

Karyl Bohnsack is a Business Banker with Two Rivers Bank & Trust in Coralville specializing in short and long-term loans to fulfill community business needs. Karyl’s work background includes being the Executive Officer for an area non-profit association and working for a local CPA firm. Karyl is on the Dream City Board of Directors as well as a member of the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Community Development Committee and Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition member. She has lived in the Iowa City area for more than 30 years where she and her husband raised two children. They enjoy traveling and listening to live music at local establishments.

Libby Knudsen

Bio

Libby Knudsen has been the Event Manager at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City since June 2022. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, she now lives in North Liberty, Iowa. Libby earned her bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2022.

Luke Eustice

Bio

Originally from Blue Earth, Minnesota, Luke enrolled at the University of Iowa in 1999 and hasn’t left Iowa City since. After graduating, Luke was the Director of Operations for Iowa Wrestling from 2006-2019. In the spring of 2019 Luke began working for Think Iowa City as a Manager of Sport Development and in 2021 he became Director of the Iowa City Area Sports Commission whose goal is to create economic impact in Johnson County through running or attracting sporting events to Johnson County. Luke is married to Jenny Eustice and has two children, Peyton and Charlie.

Macey Greiner

Bio

Macey Greiner serves as the Director of Human Resources at CIVCO Medical Solutions, a medical device manufacturer based in Coralville. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Iowa, where she is now pursuing her MBA. Macey is passionate about travel and recently spent a week exploring Kenya.

Melissa Gilmartin

Bio

Melissa Gilmartin is an Environmental Advisor with ENGIE North America—responsible for ensuring the company meets all regulations designed to protect the environment. Previously Melissa held a similar role with the University of Iowa, her alma mater for a Bachelors of Science in Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration. Melissa has one son who is starting Kindergarten this fall.

Morgan Shea

Bio

Morgan Shea is an Assistant Vice President at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA) with a focus on Health Science development. She has been working on behalf of UICA for six years and is a native Iowan. Prior to her role at UICA she was the Director of Corporate Gifts and Programs at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago for ten years. It was in Chicago where Morgan started her family and now has 3 kids, Hattie (9), Hudson (7) and Parker (5). She loves being back in Iowa City and enjoys playing volleyball, doing yoga, and watching her kids grow up alongside their fluffy Sheepdog, Winnie.

Sarah Noble-Hagerty

Bio

Sarah Noble-Hagerty is an architect at Neumann Monson Architects working in multiple sectors including Healthcare, Commercial, and K-12. In addition to her time at Neumann Monson, her career includes over a decade of working in Chicago, a formative experience that introduced her to various project types, approaches, and communities. In 2019, she moved back to her home state to be closer to her family and raise one of her own. In addition to “Architect,” she wears the titles of “Soccer Coach,” “Softball Coach,” and “Mom of Two.”

Tyler Baird

Bio

Tyler Baird is the Superintendent of Parks and Forestry for the City of Iowa City and has worked for the City for close to a decade. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University, Master of Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management from Utah State University, and Master of Public Administration from Drake University. He enjoys spending time outdoors in native habitats, working in his home perennial garden, pursuing artistic endeavors, and volunteering for organizations making positive impacts in Iowa.

Wendy Zimmermann

Bio

Wendy Zimmermann is a Connecticut native who found her community in Iowa City. Her love for the arts led her to teach art at College Community Schools. She is known for her passion for all things local -art, agriculture, food, and small businesses to name a few. Her work and commitment to the success of the Iowa City Farmers Market, NewBo City Market, Field to Family, and her Get Fresh Cafe, are examples of her devotion to local food and local business. Wendy also dedicates her time as the Board President of the Iowa City Downtown District, and serves several other local organizations where she works to enhance the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Iowa City. She also designed and built her own sustainable home with her husband Seth and their three children in Solon, IA.  

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