Hello!  I grew up in Sioux City, Iowa - the third oldest of nine!  Yes, we always had a baseball team.  I learned the value of hard work through the summers of raising acres of sweet corn and various other produce.  We sold the produce at the Sioux City Farmers Market and other road-side stands. My parents are from the Hartley/Melvin/Sanborn area therefore, visiting grandparents included an occasional trip to Spencer.

I attended Iowa State University and in 2002 graduated with a BA in Art & Design. Shortly after graduating, I accepted an AmeriCorps position in Cascade Locks, Oregon where I worked for the City of Cascade Locks completing community and economic development projects.  I went onto the University of Oregon and in 2006, I graduated from the University of Oregon with a MS in Historic Preservation and minor in Nonprofit Management.  During graduate school, I worked as the Yeon Graduate Research Fellow, which included conducting research and developing preservation plans for University properties. Following graduation, I moved from Eugene, OR to Spencer in June 2006, got married, and we've been here ever since.

I have worked with several nonprofit organizations during my professional career. My experience includes fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit management and community development.  My husband and I have two children and we love living in Spencer for the short “commute” and ability to be involved. I joined the Spencer Chamber as the Executive Director in November 2019. 

I still enjoy gardening, as well as being a "Nascar"mom, watching our kids participate in activities, cooking, hiking, and photography. 

I look forward to meeting you, serving the business community and welcoming new residents and visitors.  Thank you for trusting the Spencer Chamber as your partner.