Dan Culhane, CEcD, CCE, is the President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance where he oversees a staff of 17 and leads our organization’s affiliate programs.
He is a 1993 Graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. degree in Community & Regional Planning and a 1998 Graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He earned his CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) in 2000 and the Chamber industry’s highest designation, the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), in 2011.
Dan has served on numerous boards and is a current member of the YSS Foundation board. He has also served on the board of the United Way of Story County and chaired the 2017 campaign, which was the largest campaign in its history and remains today. He co-chaired Reggie’s Sleep Out in Ames to promote the needs of homeless youth as well. He has served as chairman to several organizations over the years including the Iowa Chamber Alliance – a coalition of Iowa’s largest community’s Chambers of Commerce, the Professional Developers of Iowa, and the Mid America Economic Development Council – a multi-state peer group from Ohio to the Dakota’s.
A native of St. Charles, MN, Dan, and his wife Stacey live in Ames, Iowa and have two adult daughters, Katie, and Maggie, that live and work in Chicago and Kansas City, respectively.
Brenda Dryer is the Senior Vice President for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. In this role, she leads the organization’s business and community development team. Brenda is passionate about economic development having more than 28 years of experience in this field. Prior to coming to the Ames area, Brenda led the economic development efforts in Mitchell County, Iowa, Buchanan County, Iowa, and was the first director of the Iowa Great Lakes Corridor regional organization.
Brenda is one of the founders and now the Chairperson for the Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance, Chairperson for the board of directors of the Arc of Story County, board member for the Nevada Foundation, and past president for Cyclone SHRM. She has served in a board role for numerous housing development organizations across Iowa.
Brenda is a member of the Nevada Rotary Club, a PEO, and an active alumnae member of Zeta Tau Alpha. She has served in numerous leadership roles for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League across Iowa. Her favorite pastimes include time with family at their Clear Lake, Iowa cabin and cheering on the Iowa State University Cyclones!
Brenda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and Adult Education from Iowa State University. She is a graduate of both Leadership Ames and Leadership Iowa. She is married to Scott, an Iowa educator, they have three grown children: Michael (spouse Courtney), Katie, and Matthew.
Amy Howard is Vice President of Finance and Administration and has been with the organization since 2005. She has held various roles throughout her tenure, with the longest in financial management. She earned her Institute of Management designation in 2014 and was honored to participate in the Leadership Iowa program, 2011-2012 class.
Amy attended Des Moines Area Community College and when finished there, started a family. Amy lives in Jewell with her husband, Brian. Their four adult children are living in the Des Moines area as well as their two grandchildren.
An Iowa native, Amy grew up in western Iowa and moved to central Iowa in 1990. Amy currently serves on the ACCESS board of directors. She also served on the Salvation Army Service Center board of directors for nearly 10 years.
Eric Smidt is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, a role he has held since August 2022. He oversees the marketing and communications initiatives for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and affiliate organizations.
As a communications professional for over 17 years, Smidt has been able to take a creative approach to tell engaging stories through a variety of mediums. He has extensive experience managing several social media accounts, website maintenance, and hosting a video podcast. He has launched, written, and designed three separate award-winning, quarterly publications, including TRACTION from the Ames Chamber of Commerce. He has four documentary film credits to date and leans heavily on his skills in video, photography, design, and writing in order to enhance the brand he is representing.
An Iowa native, Smidt received his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his Masters of Education degree from Iowa State University. He and his wife, Karen, and children live in Ames, Iowa.
Travis Tolliver is Vice President of Downtown Development for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and Executive Director of Ames Main Street.
As the Executive Director of Ames Main Street, Toliver serves as the primary public relations person for Ames Main Street and oversees the daily operations and programming. He actively works with the Ames Main Street Board of Directors, the City of Ames, and private investors, to help enhance Downtown Ames. This includes property development, business recruitment, and long-range planning. This position also serves as the main point of contact for the Campustown program.
Prior to joining the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Toliver has spent the past 10 years in Waverly, IA serving as the Executive Director of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce Main Street Program. During his tenure, Toliver was instrumental in numerous successful initiatives and projects which have significantly contributed to the economic growth and vitality of Waverly. His leadership, vision, and tireless commitment have transformed the Chamber Main Street Program into a robust organization that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.
Travis proudly serves on the board of directors for the Main Street Iowa Advisory Council and Mid-America Chamber Executives. Travis is a past board member for the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce. During his two terms as chair, Travis led IACC through a management change, a rebranding/name change, and a revamp of its conferences and education programs.
Travis is a 2020 graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), a four-year professional development program of the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. In 2021, Travis was appointed by Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, to her Empower Rural Iowa initiative’s GROW taskforce, which focuses on addressing the recruitment and retention of emerging leaders in rural communities.
Jan Williams is Vice President of Investor Relations for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. With over five years of business relations and development at the Ames Chamber of Commerce, her goal is to identify prospective business and industry members, as well as cultivate and retain over 700 members throughout Story and Boone County.
In addition, she oversees our Events Director, Director of Affiliates, and the Ames Main Street organization. Jan also facilitates the Leadership Ames program, which annually develops future leaders and cultivates relationships to promote community involvement and advancement.
Jan is an Iowa State University graduate, a Lifetime ISU Alumni Association Member, and has served on many boards that are community focused in nearly 30 years of living in Cyclone Country. Jan and her husband Scott have two grown children, follow ISU sports, the Kansas City Chiefs, and enjoy traveling.
Elizabeth Berg is the Economic Development Coordinator for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. In this role, she is able to contribute to the vibrant business community in Ames by ensuring seamless coordination and support across diverse projects.
Prior to joining the Alliance, Elizabeth interned at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Make-A-Wish South Dakota and Montana, and the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation. In these roles, she was able to plan and implement large events including galas, golf tournaments, and summer concert series while strengthening community bonds.
Elizabeth is a recent graduate of South Dakota State University where she received undergraduate degrees in both Communication Studies as well as Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations. She now resides in Ames with her fiance, Isaac.
Sarah Dvorsky takes pride in serving as the Director of Events for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. Since joining the organization in 2019, Sarah has worn many hats, with “team member” being her favorite role to date. Coordinating events is a passion for Sarah, and her favorite event is likely whichever one is coming up next.
With over 10 years of event planning experience, Sarah has successfully coordinated events ranging from small gatherings to 20,000-person affairs, spanning from corporate meetings to concerts and sporting events. For an icebreaker with Sarah, ask her which 1970s-1980s rockstar she drove around for an afternoon with five minutes of notice. As you can imagine, Sarah has kept her car clean ever since.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sarah volunteers her time with the Ericson Public Library Board of Trustees and the Collegiate Alumnae Advisory Board for the Iota Sigma Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi.
An almost lifelong Iowan, Sarah holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State University in Event Management with minors in Hospitality Management and Advertising. When not working or volunteering, you can find Sarah planning her next adventure or enjoying quality time with friends and family.
Brian Horn is the Director of Economic Development for Boone County at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. His responsibilities include leading Boone County’s economic development organization, business retention and expansion, housing, industry recruitment, and community betterment.
Before joining the AREA, Brian Horn dedicated 18 years as Superintendent of Schools for the Madrid Community School District, following seven years as the Director of Curriculum and Technology. During his tenure as superintendent, Brian led two successful bond referendum campaign projects, managed significant campus expansions and building renovations, and spearheaded various initiatives to enhance academic programs and student support services. He had the honor of being the Madrid Area Chamber Leader of the Year, as well as membership to committees and boards such as the Iowa Department of Education Director’s Advisory Committee, Heartland Area Education Director’s Advisory Committee, Boone County Probation Board, and Boone County Endowment Fund Advisory Board.
A native of Nevada, Iowa, Brian holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, along with a PK-12 principal certification from Iowa State University and superintendent certification from the University of Northern Iowa. He is married to Linda, a Certified Medical Assistant, and together they have two grown children.
Dylan Kline brings a passion for Iowa and the Ames region to his role as Director of Business Development at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. As a longtime resident of the state, he has extensive experience in the state’s economic landscape. His experience in the Leadership Ames program further ignited his interest in taking on a more active role in economic development in the region.
Prior to joining the Alliance, Dylan worked for nearly a decade as a project manager with a local custom home builder. His experience in the construction industry offers a unique perspective when approaching economic development in the region. Dylan is highly involved with the Ames Home Builders Association, serving as chair in 2024. He holds a business degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
Dylan’s strong connection to Iowa and his experience in business development make him a valuable asset to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, where he works tirelessly to attract and retain businesses in the region. He and his wife and 2 children are residents of Ames.
Steven Lawrence has been with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance since the fall of 2021. He is responsible for developing and maintaining marketing plans, organizing weekly e-communications, website updates, and digital analytics across all social media platforms.
Born and raised in Ames, Iowa, Steven strives to be involved in conversations, projects, and initiatives that positively impact our community. Steven is a graduate of Leadership Ames Class 36, an active member in FUEL Young Professionals, and was recently recognized with the FUEL “4 Under 40” award in 2023. He also serves as a board member on the Gilbert Tiger Gridiron Club, and volunteers as a commentator during Gilbert High School football games that are broadcast on YouTube during the fall.
Steven is a graduate of Wartburg College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Sports Management with a minor in Leadership. He was a member of the Wartburg Knights baseball team throughout his four-year college career.
In his free time, you can most likely find Steven enjoying a day out on the golf course, spending time with friends and family, or cheering on his favorite teams – Chiefs, Royals and Cyclones. Steven and his wife Alissa are enjoying their time as newlyweds, recently celebrating their one year anniversary in September.
Ottie Maxey is currently the Director of Economic Development for Hamilton County and Webster City at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. His responsibilities include leading Hamilton County’s economic development organization, business retention and expansion, housing, industry recruitment, and community betterment.
Prior to joining the Ames Chamber/EDC, Ottie served as Superintendent of Schools for the Ballard Community School District for eleven years. In that position, he led a successful bond referendum campaign, oversaw $25 million in capital improvements, achieved the highest bond rating in the history of the district, built cash reserves to all-time highs, and implemented continuous improvement and data systems resulting in notable improvements in student achievement. During this time, Ottie served on the United Way of Story County Board of Directors, the Huxley Development Corporation Board of Directors, and served as a statewide mentor for new and aspiring Superintendents.
A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa he holds undergraduate degrees from Coe College and the University of Northern Iowa, and graduate degrees from Drake University and the University of Northern Iowa.
Katlyn Mock serves as the Client Service Coordinator at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, dedicated to serving the Ames region since October 2024. In her role, Katlyn serves as a vital resource for Alliance members and visitors, offering valuable guidance and support to the community. Katlyn also assists in supporting office staff.
Drawing upon her extensive background in hospitality, communications, and customer service, Katlyn has played a pivotal role in fostering and nurturing customer relations. She takes great pleasure in meeting new individuals and assisting them in reaching their goals.
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, Katlyn actively sought out a smaller, more close-knit community and found her small-town dream in Ames following her attendance at Iowa State University. Currently, Katlyn resides in Ames with her husband, Harrison, and their two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Corki and Lexi.
Ronnie Olson is the Investor Relations Coordinator at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and has been with the organization since May 2024.
In this position, Ronnie is instrumental in maintaining membership engagement and retention for over 700 members, while also assisting efforts to attract new members to the Alliance. Additionally, she oversees the ambassador program and collaborates closely with the Events Director to support various initiatives and events.
Born and raised near the Ames area, Ronnie attended Des Moines Area Community College and currently resides in Roland. Outside of work, she enjoys attending community events with friends and embracing new experiences. Ronnie is excited to continually serve her community with a fresh and innovative approach.
Greg Piklapp is the Director of Economic Development Outreach and Government Relations for the Ames Regional Economic Development Alliance. In this role, he works with the Story County Board of Supervisors and its ten rural communities in economic development and special project initiatives, while also overseeing government policy at the local, state, and federal levels across the entire region.
Greg has held various leadership roles and board positions both locally and statewide involving early childhood programing, housing, downtown revitalization, criminal justice, and more over his career. For twelve years he served as an elected city council member, serving on committees overseeing economic development, infrastructure, and employee policies where he played a key role in developing programs to increase housing, tourism, new local broadband services, community outreach for law enforcement, and building new community infrastructure utilizing federal transportation dollars.
Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, an Associate’s degree from Des Moines Area Community College, and is a 2021 graduate of the Iowa League of Cities Certified Elected Municipal Official (CEMO) program. A fourth generation Iowan, Greg with his wife Staci and children live in Boone, Iowa.
amesfarmersmarket@amesalliance.com
Lojean Petersen is the Manager of the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market, a position she has held since 2012. She has also served on the State Board of Directors for the Iowa Farmers’ Market Association as Secretary/Treasurer since 2017.
Lojean brings her experience of a former vendor when they lived on the farm in Northwest Iowa to the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market. Her passion for showcasing local farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians in the area is evident each weekend. She strives to make the Farmers’ Market a destination place for Ames and the surrounding communities.
As an Iowa native, she and her husband Jim live in Ames. They have two children, Sarah of Ames and Joshua who of Omaha.
Shannon Thiele is the Director of Workforce Development of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and has been with the organization since November 2022.
Shannon has a passion for connecting her peers and local leaders to opportunities throughout the Ames region. In her role at the Alliance, she leads workforce solution programs, oversees PK-12 initiatives and is the staff liaison to FUEL Young Professionals and The Ames Foundation. She also assists in Campustown programming efforts with the Vice President of Downtown Development and leads events for the See Yourself in Ames summer program for interns and young professionals.
She is currently serving on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County Board of Directors and is a member of their Gala event committee. She also serves on the Young Professionals of Iowa Board as an advocate for YPs who live, work and play in Iowa.
Born and raised in Marion, Iowa, Shannon considered Ames home since attending Iowa State University. She can officially call Ames “home” after buying her first house with her husband, Justin, in June 2022.
Mike Upah is the Director of Ames Seed Capital, an early-stage venture capital fund which makes equity investments in businesses growing in Central Iowa. In his role, he has responsibilities for evaluating investment opportunities, communicating with portfolio companies, and managing the operations of the Fund. He also serves in an economic development role for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance supporting the City of Huxley.
Mike has served on numerous boards of startup companies such as Harrisvaccines, FloMetrix, iSEEK Corporation, and Parametric Solutions, as well as serving as Director and Treasurer of the Huxley Development Corporation, a non-profit economic development organization. Mike also works concurrently as the CFO for iSEEK Corporation.
Prior to these positions, Mike directed business development operations for the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. In that role, he worked with dozens of startup technologies companies ranging from information technology to human drug development and provided guidance to companies in the areas of market assessment, intellectual property, technology licensing, business plan development, private equity fundraising, and business operations.
Mike is an Iowa native and alum of Iowa State University. He and his wife Kristi live in Huxley, Iowa.
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