Connect with us.

The Greater IC team works every day to support the companies and entrepreneurs who are creating the jobs the vitality that our communities rely on.

Email us to find resources, partner on strategic initiatives, or build a relationship.

Nancy Bird, Greater IC Staff

Nancy Bird

President & CEO

Mary Willie, Greater IC Staff

Mary Willie

Vice President of Business Support & Operations

Cady Gerlach, Greater IC Staff

Cady Gerlach

Vice President of Programs & Executive Director of Better Together 2030

Mackenzie DeRoo, Greater IC Staff

Mackenzie DeRoo

Vice President of External Relations and Advocacy

Maria Schussler, Greater IC Staff

Maria Schussler

Events Director

Evan Doyle, Greater IC Staff

Evan Doyle

Economic Development Program Director

evan@greateriowacity.com

Jesse Wallace, Greater IC Staff

Jesse Wallace

Director of Marketing & Communications

Michael Chen, Greater IC Staff

Michael Chen

Director of Investor Relations

Nicky Beaurivage Greater Iowa City

Nicky Beaurivage

MERGE Office & Facilities Manager

Jordan Colton Business Support Manager

Jordan Colton

Business Support Program Manager

jordan@greateriowacity.com

Tom Martinez Greater Iowa City

Tom Martinez

Community Development Program Manager

Tom@greateriowacity.com

Robin Springer | Financial Planning

Robin Springer’s background includes leadership roles in financial planning and analysis, accounting, program management and systems implementation. Her career has included work with multi-billion dollar global corporations, first-time startups and everything in between. She can help you achieve your business goals by creating financial structure, and by providing the tools and education you need to manage your business and let go of outdated beliefs about money. Schedule with Robin today!

 

Alex Taylor | Business Coaching

Alex has more than 30 years of business experience working in a variety of entrepreneurial organizations and capacities. Currently he’s the Director of Entrepreneurship for NewBoCo, is completing his 15th year teaching in the Tippie College of Business, and along with his wife co-owns and operates Woofables, a national manufacturing and distribution business based out of Coralville, Iowa.  He’s a seasoned and highly networked business mentor, connector, leader, and coach. Schedule with Alex today!

 

Tom Altman, Fractional CIO , IT/CFO

Tom Altman | Fractional CIO | Technology Strategy | Business Systems & AI Readiness

Tom Altman is a fractional CIO and technology strategist with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations align technology with business strategy. He works with leadership teams to simplify complex technology environments, strengthen operational foundations, and position companies for long-term growth. Through his work with Altus CXO, Tom provides executive-level technology leadership to organizations that need strategic guidance but may not require a full-time CIO or CTO.

Tom often describes his role as “pouring digital concrete.” Before companies can fully benefit from automation, analytics, or artificial intelligence, they need strong systems, clean data, and well-defined processes. Tom helps organizations build those digital foundations by mapping systems, improving workflows, and connecting technology investments directly to business outcomes. His work frequently supports companies navigating ERP implementations, rapid growth, leadership transitions, or broader digital transformation initiatives.

In addition to his consulting work, Tom supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through the Greater Iowa City Business Resource Center, where he provides guidance on technology strategy and operational systems. He is particularly interested in helping organizations become AI-ready, ensuring they have the systems, data structure, and operational clarity needed to successfully adopt emerging technologies.

Ed Leighton-Dick | IT/Data Security

Ed Leighton-Dick helps small and midsize businesses solve their most challenging database performance, resiliency, and data security issues at Kingfisher Data, the consulting firm he founded in 2014. He has taught thousands of people at over 200 events, including the world’s largest Microsoft data platform conferences, and he has been a leader in the Microsoft data community since 2008. Microsoft has recognized Ed seven times as a Data Platform MVP for his expertise and service to the data community. Schedule with Ed today!

Aaron Bontrager | Human Resources/Payroll

Aaron is a native Iowa Citian and owner of Payroll Vault, which offers a boutique, full-service, payroll and human resource services designed for small business owners in the Johnson County area. Schedule with Aaron today!

 

Ami Taylor | Accounting

Aminata is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, a licensed CPA, and founder and CEO of Tailored Tax and Accounting. Dedicated to serving clients of various industries by providing a variety of professional services, primarily in the audit and compliance areas, with deep industry specialization. Providing valuable services to clients by getting to know and help them by creating opportunities. Schedule with Ami today!

 

Catherine Tran | Business Coaching/CPA services

Catherine is a leader with a passion for community development. She holds a managerial role at Community CPA & Associates, Inc., overseeing branch operations, and supporting small businesses and budding entrepreneurs in their business journey. Schedule with Catherine today!

Mackensie Graham | Legal

Mackensie is the founder of Ampersand Legal, PLLC where she practices business and employment law. She knows that navigating your business through the complexities of relevant laws and regulations can be complicated! As a volunteer with the Business Resource Center, she can refer you to the wealth of legal resources based on your individual needs, as well as connect you with other experts who can help you tackle your latest challenge. Schedule with Mackensie today!

 

Scott Swenson | Business Coaching

Scott is a seasoned business advisor and entrepreneurial learning instructor. As the statewide instructor for the University of Iowa’s Venture School Program, he guides entrepreneurial cohorts across six locations in the state. Swenson specializes in startup strategy, financial modeling, marketing, operations, business formation, and access to resources. Schedule with Scott today!