Jody Donaldson
President
Kirkwood Community College – Scholarship & Alumni Officer
What brought you to The Arc?: I believe in and support the Mission of The Arc of East Central Iowa. As a sibling [of a person with a disability], I know firsthand the value of in-home respite, as well as inclusion for all. The Arc of East Central Iowa provides such a greater quality of life for those affected by a disability.
What inspired you to join the board?: I want to make a difference for those who need it most. I have been a lifelong advocate for those with a disability. I believe my strengths are greater served by serving others.
Other volunteer activities: Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE); Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance Leadership for Five Seasons; Business & IT Advisory Board Iowa; Snowdrifters
Blake Wilkinson
Vice President
US Bank – Senior Vice President, Managing Director & Senior Portfolio Manager
Kristin Schaefer
Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee
Transamerica – Senior Actuary
What brought you to The Arc?: I have an adult sibling with developmental disabilities who lives in a neighboring state. So when I heard that The Arc had an opening on the Finance Committee, I applied.
What inspired you to join the board?: Wanting to be more involved in the mission of The Arc and use my financial background to help serve.
Other volunteer activities: Member of the Board of Directors of the St. John of the Cross; Catholic Worker House in Cedar Rapids
Melissa Cullum
Secretary
Mercy Medical Center – Director, Community Benefit & Patient Relations
What brought you to The Arc?: The Arc’s mission and goal of providing services and supports that reduce barriers, provide resources and referrals, and promote access to community-based life for those living with intellectual and related disabilities.
What inspired you to join the board?: My sister lives with disabilities. The services and supports The Arc provides to their consumers and families are truly fulfilling a need in our community.
Ellen Mouw
Past President
Acme Graphics Inc. – Customer Service Supervisor
What brought you to The Arc?: My sister uses this program.
What inspired you to join the board?: To be an advocate for the ones who can’t do so for themselves.
Other volunteer activities: Expressive Arts Gala with Tanager Place
Members of the Board
Matt Baumann
Edward Jones – Financial Advisor
Stacy Baye
Cedar Rapids Police Department – Investigator
Steve Carter
Keurig Dr. Pepper – Branch Manager
Stephanie Erbe
Cedar Rapids Community School District, Hoover Elementary – Special Education Teacher
Brian Fagan
Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC – Attorney
What brought you to The Arc?: The Arc enriches our community and the lives of the families we serve.
What inspired you to join the board?: The families we serve.
Julie Gasway
UnityPoint – St. Lukes Hospital – Manager Witwer Children’s Therapy
What brought you to The Arc?: Service to children and families
What inspired you to join the board?: The wonderful care that the organization provides to children and families, and the passion of the staff who care for them.
Teri Gibson
TrueNorth Companies – Partner/Benefit Advisor
What brought you to The Arc?: I know several families that have come to depend on the services that The Arc provides. I also enjoy giving back to the community and working with nonprofits to help those that are not as fortunate as me to move forward, have opportunities and be the best they can be.
What inspired you to join the board?: Hearing the needs of The Arc and the cut backs and struggles with funding and the needs don’t get less they get more as our community grows so we need to be able to step up to the plate and help in any way we can. We are fortunate to have The Arc for those who need their services and we need to keep it a vital part of the community for families that depend on it.
Other volunteer activities: Serve as President of Waypoint Board; serve on The United Way of East Central Iowa Board; Trees Forever Board; Kirkwood Alumni Council and Corridor Women Connect Advisory Board. Member of Go Red for Women through the American Heart Association; Downtown Noon Rotary club.
Darrin Keller
Wal-Mart – Cart Man/Stocker
Cheryl Kiburz
Retired – Volunteer
What brought you to The Arc?: I’ve served as an instructional leader in education and have always advocated for a unified system where both general and special education staff work collaboratively to serve all students. All working together for all! The Arc has been a partner in expanding this vision to the community. I believe in the goals of promoting independence, inclusive communities and working together to build on the successes of each individual and to help advocate and remove barriers for individuals so all can participate and be valued for their gifts.
What inspired you to join the board?: I’ve held leadership positions in the Cedar Rapids and area schools, provided other opportunities to design and implement system changes. The students, families and staff I’ve had the privilege to work with have inspired and motivated me to become involved with The Arc. Another primary impetus to serve is my sister-in-law, Mary. I’ve learned so much from Mary, who had a significant intellectual disability as well as mental health needs. These experiences have fueled my commitment to serve individuals with significant disabilities.
Other volunteer activities: Member of the Arc Service and Support Committee; Member of New Covenant Bible Church
Mark Mitchell
Retired – Volunteer
Jackie Nau
University of Iowa, Center for Disabilities & Development – Parents as Mentors Program Coordinator
Meghann Pasker
Hills Bank – Treasury Management Officer
Kody Slife
Summit Pointe Senior Living – Dietary Aide
Erica Smothers
Awaken Family Chiropractic – Doctor of Chiropractic
Melissa Tandy
Iowa AEAs and Iowa Dept of Ed – Project Manager for Special Education Guidance
Sue Wilber
Clear Creek Amana School District – Director Human Resources
What brought you to The Arc?: I know many amazing people affected by intellectual disabilities and have seen the great work the Arc does in being their advocate.
What inspired you to join the board?: Honestly it was my kids. I want to be a good role model to them and lead by example showing them the importance of giving back, helping others, and spreading kindness. This organization and the amazing impact they have on so many in our community seemed the perfect way to do that.
Other volunteer activities: Leadership for Five Seasons Advisory Board; member Eastern Iowa Human Resource Association Board member