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ICVS Commissioners and Staff

Elaine Hanson, Winnebago County (ICVS Chair) —“I believe that volunteerism strengthens individuals, families and communities. Critical to fostering volunteerism in Iowa is nurturing individuals to become leaders of service and making volunteer opportunities available for all Iowans. Serving on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service will provide an opportunity for me to promote and cultivate volunteerism in the state of Iowa .”

Jim Wilson, Polk County/West Des Moines (ICVS First Vice Chair) —"I am honored to be a part of the good work done by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. My past experience should help me be a useful resource to the commission and help me grow as a person."

Robert (Mac) MacKenzie, Warren County (ICVS Second Vice Chair) —“I am very honored to be serving on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. As someone who deliberately decided to move to Iowa, I can tell everyone that it is the people of Iowa who have made a significant difference in my life. I hope that my experiences in volunteer recruitment and volunteer management will be beneficial to the commission.”

Audra Lloyd, Story County / Nevada (ICVS Youth Chair) — “Volunteering gives me the chance to give back to the community. I believe that through volunteerism we can all improve the quality of life in our society. Volunteering builds character and makes people feel good!”


ICVS Commissioners

Todd Behrends, Polk County —"Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. I am fortunate to live in a state that is vibrant, energized and passionate about the volunteer opportunities that exist every day; and I appreciate the passion of the Iowans that take time to share their talents with us all. As a commissioner I will help to feed the flames so that the volunteer spirit in our communities always burns bright."

Barbara Biersner, Boone County

Mary Bracken, Polk County —"Iowans continually demonstrate their spirit of generosity by giving back to their communities through volunteer efforts. I am honored to be part of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, providing the vital link between Iowans needs and those who can provide volunteer service. One of the greatest gifts one can give is the gift of our time."

Elesha Gayman, Scott County / Davenport — “I have had the opportunity to travel around the world and everywhere I go people always tell me how ‘nice' the people in Iowa are. Nothing defines us more as Iowans as our genuine concern for others and our spirit of volunteerism. I am honored to serve on the commission and excited to promote what makes this state great!”

Rev. Kenneth Gibson, Dubuque County/Dubuque —“ All of us are asked to take an active part in the society in which we are blessed to be a part. As indeed all of us are asked to serve in order that those who follow will come to know life as good as or better than that which we ourselves have come to know. Volunteering further demonstrates the core of Iowa Values of service to others ahead of self. Serving on the ICVS is a joy and a privilege .”

Nichole Goble, Polk County

Leslie Hade, Webster County / Fort Dodge — “Do what you can, whenever you can — make a difference!”

Darrin Hamilton, Jasper County/Newton —“Margaret Meade said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world, Indeed, it's that only thing that ever has!' I am positive there were volunteers involved in that small group of committee people changing the world for the better. “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” is how the Jaycees end their creed and I agree. I encourage everyone to be a volunteer and if you are already, encourage others to join you.”

Sandra Hansen, Waverly — “Everyday I get to work with colleges and universities across the state around service, service-learning and civic engagement. Students' drive to empower and engage the local community through creative means never ceases to amaze me.”

Joe Herrity, ComServ Iowa, Learn and Serve America, Iowa Dept. of Education – “The act of providing service, of volunteering for a club, organization, or in a community, is an American value and is part of what makes this country a great place to live. "Being of service" strengthens every individual citizen, our local communities, and our state and nation as a whole. We must begin the process of educating and developing caring citizens early in a person's life.”

Jack Hotchkiss, Linn County —“Active volunteers make crucial contributions to fellow citizens and live longer, more productive lives by applying professionally developed skills in expanded community roles.”

Vicki Hover-Williamson, Corporation for National and Community Service, Iowa Office — "The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service brings together many elements, strengthening service throughout Iowa. The lives of countless individuals, my own included, are fulfilled through volunteer activities."

Linda Nelson, Pottawattamie County —“I have the unique opportunity to speak with students all across Iowa and challenge them to give back to their communities.”

Jennifer Rusch, Black Hawk County

Barry Spear, Polk County — I can't imagine trying to run a successful hospital today without volunteers. In most cases they provide the "icing on the cake" for patient and family satisfaction. What drives volunteers is the ability to make a difference in the lives of people. I don't think there is a greater calling.

Gary Steinke, Iowa Board of Regents

Wanda Steburg, Greene County / Jefferson — “Being an Iowan, born from a long line of volunteers, I strongly believe that we are put on this planet to serve others. We always receive back more than we ever give. Our lives are truly enriched when we help others, from childhood through our older adult years. There is a place for volunteerism in everyone's life.”

Linda Steensland, Pottawattamie County


ICVS Staff

 

Jody Benz , Volunteer Promotion and Special Events Coordinator
     515.242.4764      jody.benz@iowalifechanging.com
Karen Crosby , Training and Disability Inclusion Coordinator
     515.242.4798      karen.crosby@iowalifechanging.com
Beth Govoni , Iowa's Promise Coordinator
     515.242.4952      beth.govoni@iowalifechanging.com
Adam Gross, Governor's Office Liaison
     515.281.0159       adam.gross@iowa.gov
Kristin Honz , AmeriCorps Program Officer / Iowa Mentoring Partnership Coordinator
     515.242.5467      kristin.honz@iowalifechanging.com
Adam Lounsbury , Executive Director
     515.242.5466      adam.lounsbury@iowalifechanging.com
Frank Milik , Fiscal Director
     515.242.4879      frank.milik@iowalifechanging.com
Eve Palmer , Administrative Assistant
     515.242.4830      eve.palmer@iowalifechanging.com
Robin Plummer, AmeriCorps*VISTA for the Iowa Mentoring Partnership
     515.242.4772      vista2@iowalifechanging.com
Julie Struck , AmeriCorps Program Officer
     515.242.4866      julie.struck@iowalifechanging.com