Robert (Mac) MacKenzie, Youth Homes of Mid-America (ICVS 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.”

Jim Wilson, retired, MidAmerican Energy (ICVS 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."

ICVS Commissioners

Crystal Aldmeyer, Pottwattamie County — “Iowans continue to prove they live their lives by the Golden Rule.  The hard work, nurture and sincerity continuously shown by the people of this state keep Iowa from becoming a state of idle hands.  I am honored to be a part of the commission to help keep this custom alive.”

Chris Bern, statewide representative, Iowa State Education Association — “When we were young most of us were taught, ‘It is better to give than to receive.’  Broken down to simplest form, volunteering is giving.  When done properly one receives so much in return.”

Barbara Biersner, Youth and Shelter Services, Boone — “I am extremely honored to be part of a group of individuals that all believe in the importance of volunteerism.  I have been involved in the volunteer field for 10 years, and first hand have seen what impact caring individuals make in the community they serve in.”

Mary Bracken, Iowa Public Television —"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."

Lauren Burt — Greater Des Moines Partnership

Thomas Counters, Coordinator for Disability Services for Luther College —"Just as good diet and exercise are critical elixirs for the body, volunteerism, in my opinion, is a critical elixir for the soul. It is my hope that my work on the Commission will help encourage more people to get involved, for volunteerism should truly be a right, not a privilege."

Cheri Doane, Central College — “Volunteering benefits everyone involved.  Community agencies are strengthened by involvement of citizens while the volunteers gain experience and knowledge in the community setting.   The collaborative relationships that are the product of community volunteerism make Iowa a better place!   Margaret Mead said ‘Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’  Think about it.”

Robert Donley, Iowa Board of Regents —

Adam Fanning — Des Moines Public Schools (and former AmeriCorps member) —

Patti Fields, Volunteer Center/United Way of Johnson County — “Across the state, the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors is in every community.  I continue to be amazed by the commitment and dedication of volunteers, and I am honored to promote and develop volunteerism in Iowa.”

Gary Fry, Lions Clubs of Iowa — “As a representative of the volunteers who make up the many not for profit service organizations, I feel that our role is to provide services that each of us as individuals would be unable to undertake.  Helen Keller said it best, ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’  I am honored to be a part of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and look forward to working on the Commission to increase the services being provided across our state.”

Elesha Gayman, Legislative Ex Officio — “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!”

Leslie Hade, Foster Grandparent Program — “Volunteering provides a joy in life that comes from selfless giving.  How important to realize the privilege and responsibility we have to encourage others to volunteer in their community and feel the satisfaction that comes from making changes for the better.  Martin Luther King said, ‘Life’s most persistent question is, what are we doing for others?’  Volunteers are this philosophy in action and I hope through my work with our local Foster Grandparent Program and as a commissioner to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service to also exemplify this ethic of service.”

Darrin Hamilton, City of Newton — "I am proud to serve on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.  Volunteers change the world for the better.  I encourage everyone to be a volunteer.  If you already volunteer, encourage others to volunteer.”

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.”

Vicki Hover-Williamson, Corporation for National and Community Service, Iowa Office Ex Officio — "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."

The Reverand Rogers Kirk, Third Baptist Church — "Being a part of the commission give me another opportunity to live out my faith. It's my Faith that cause me to serve others, Matthew 25: 34-46"

Emiliano Lerda, Generation Iowa Commission — "Public service and civic engagement are my passion. I am sincerely honored to play a small part in helping people find opportunities to get involved, make a difference, and leave the campground better then we found it.”

Rachel Manuel, Iowa Campus Compact — “As the youth commissioner I am excited to serve with a great group of professionals in the state of Iowa to address the needs of our community through service.”

Erica Orrell, State Farm Insurance — “I have invested most of my life in Iowa and the best way to guarantee a strong return on investment is to actively improve it.  Volunteering is the opportunity to be an agent of change at the ground level, improving the community and the individual.”

Jennifer Rusch, Community Volunteer — “I consider it a privilege to serve the state of Iowa as a member of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.  We are facing tough community problems throughout the country, and in Iowa, we are addressing those problems through effective volunteerism.  People ‘doing good for the sake of doing good’ does far more than warm the heart; it serves as a means to create positive and lasting change in our communities.  I’m proud to be a citizen of Iowa, where volunteerism isn’t just something nice we do to help one another; it’s the tool we use to ensure our communities are wonderful places to call home.”

Kris Schechinger, Nationwide Insurance —

Mary Sheka, First Lady of Iowa’s Office Ex Officio — I believe that we have an obligation to serve others. Each of us, from all walks of life, young or old, has the unique gift of self to offer in service to others. What we give to others comes back to us.

Linda Steensland, University of Nebraska at Omaha — “Volunteering in Iowa has a very special place in my heart!  That is why it is a privilege for me to serve on this commission.  I see so many individuals give of their valuable time, which is integral to the success of organizations.  Cities and towns can then become truly ‘united communities’, working together for everyone's benefit!"

ICVS Staff