As the Director of Special Programs at East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), I oversee a range of initiatives that support the economic and social well-being of eastern Iowa counties, cities, and nonprofits. With over 15 years of experience in business management, sales, fundraising, and development, I have secured and administered multiple federal, state, and local grants, as well as major gifts, community engagement, and estate planning. I am a certified Master Trainer by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and a former member of the FEMA External Stakeholder Working Group (ESWG). I also serve as a Hometown Pride Coach for Keep Iowa Beautiful, and as an instructor of art history at the University of Dubuque. I am passionate about helping our clients achieve their goals and vision through strategic planning, feasibility studies, and fundraising consulting. I enjoy leading and collaborating with diverse teams, from two to thirty members, across departments, programs, and projects.