Staff Directory
Experts Dedicated to Building a Better Iowa
At BCS, our greatest asset is our people. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals, researchers, and specialized consultants committed to the mission of Building a Better Iowa. By leveraging university expertise, we meet the real-world needs of Iowans through strategic initiatives in workforce development, business innovation, and environmental sustainability.
Whether you are looking to scale a startup, transition a family business, or enhance community vitality, our staff is here to help you navigate the path forward.
Our diverse team brings together:
- Industry Specialists leading the way in Manufacturing 4.0 and advanced metal casting.
- Business Consultants providing critical regulation compliance, succession planning and entrepreneurial support.
- Community Developers empowering local leaders to shape a vibrant future for their regions.
- Environmental Experts delivering practical solutions for energy efficiency and land management.
- Faculty and Student Innovators who bridge the gap between academic research and statewide economic impact.
Connect with our experts today to see how we can partner with you to empower your community and drive Iowa's growth.
Business & Community Services Staff
Institute For Decision Making Staff
Cindy Angel
Research Manager, IDM
Email Cindy Angel →
(319) 273-6943
James Hoelscher
Associate Director, IDM
Email James Hoelscher →
(319) 236-8123
Karla Organist
Program Manager, IDM
Email Karla Organist →
(319) 273-6524
Liesl Seabert
Program Manager, IDM
Email Liesl Seabert →
(319) 273-8048
Iowa Waste Reduction Center
Michael (Joe) Bolick
Director, IWRC
Email Michael (Joe) Bolick →
(319) 273-6577
Anastasia Bender
Secretary III, IWRC
Email Anastasia Bender →
(319) 273-6575
Chris Lampe
Senior Program Manager, IWRC
Email Chris Lampe →
(319) 273-5354
Dan Nickey
Associate Director, IWRC
Email Dan Nickey →
(319) 273-6588
Jennifer Trent
Program Manager, IWRC
Email Jennifer Trent →
(319) 273-6584
John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Patrick Luensmann
Director, JPEC
Email Patrick Luensmann →
(319) 273-4335
Bart Schmitz
Program Manager, JPEC
Email Bart Schmitz →
(319) 273-5732
Shelly Wessels
Office Coordinator, JPEC
Email Shelly Wessels →
(319) 273-5732
Strategic Marketing Services
Christy Ryken
Director, SMS
Email Christy Ryken →
(319) 273-7314
Kim Eastman
Program Associate, SMS
Email Kim Eastman →
(319) 273-2886
Chelsea Morrison
Program Manager, SMS
Email Chelsea Morrison →
(319) 273-7315
Family Business Center
Dan Beenken
Director, FBC
Email Dan Beenken →
(319) 273-4322
Janelle Bolts
Secretary III, FBC
Email Janelle Bolts →
(319) 273-6887
Kristen Toppin
Program Associate, FBC
Email Kristen Toppin →
(319) 273-5784
Advance Iowa
Todd Hutcheson
Director, Advance Iowa
Email Todd Hutcheson →
(319) 431-6396
Judy Butler
Program Manager, Advance Iowa
Email Judy Butler →
(319) 273-4344
Janell Crow
Program Associate, Advance Iowa
Email Janell Crow →
(319) 273-2960
Metal Casting / Foundry 4.0 Centers
GeoTREE Staff
John DeGroote
Director, GeoTREE
Email John DeGroote →
(319) 273-6158
Jonathan Voss
Web Programmer
Email Jonathan Voss →
(319) 273-3877
Andrey Petrov
Academic Director, GeoTREE
Email Andrey Petrov →
(319) 273-6245
Tallgrass Prairie Center
Andy Olso
Prairie on Farms Program Manager, TPC
(319) 273-3828