Board of Directors

Robyn Hepker

Board Chair
Designer, Benson & Hepker Design
I love living and working in this community, because this area is that unique combination of welcoming and challenging and the place I can call home. Without United Way we'd all have to work a lot harder to accomplish a lot less.

Bart Floyd

Past Board Chair
Iowa City Market President, Great Western Bank
I believe in United Way's mission of combining research, resources and results to make Johnson County a better place for all.  This year, United Way of Johnson County combined these three components to create a 10-year strategic plan called the 2020 Vision. This plan is a detailed, aggressive plan that brings together the necessary resources and expertise to tangibly impact our community over the next decade in the key areas of education, income and health care levels. This is not just an organization with good intentions, this is an organization that is results oriented.

I began working with United Way of Johnson County in 2004 and have had the opportunity to view first-hand its vast impact over the last seven years.  During that time, I have seen the United Way of Johnson County meet both the ongoing needs of the community as well as rising to meet the special needs of the community caused by a natural disaster.  So, whether it has been it's ongoing partnering with local health and human service agencies, creating special initiatives to help the less fortunate, or rising swiftly and effectively to meet the emergency needs of the floods of 2008, United Way has truly made an impact.  I am proud to be associated with United Way of Johnson County.

Hass Machlab

Strategic Planning Chair
President, Innovative Software Engineering
I have been on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Johnson County since 2008 and it is really amazing to see how much positive impact, in every other way, this organization has on our community.  I am proud to participate in helping achieve the measureable objectives set by the United Way of Johnson County's 2020 vision. These objectives focus on education, income and health and they are tailored to our community based on research and resources of our community.
In many ways, I personally connect in my observations with Alexis Charles-Henri de Tocqueville after which the United Way Tocqueville society is named. Tocqueville came to America in 1831 and recognized, applauded, and immortalized American voluntary action on behalf of the common good. He wrote: "I must say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend a faithful support to one another," eloquently capturing the essence of personal philanthropy that persists, almost three centuries later. We have all locally lived this reality during the floods of 2008 and on a daily basis with all that we do to help each other. In addition, Tocqueville observed at the time that Americans understood a basic fact: looking out for the other guy isn't just good for the soul-it's good for business, it's good for the community.

Lynette Marshall

Resource Development Chair
President & CEO, University of Iowa Foundation
I began working with United Way in 2006 when we first moved to Iowa City. I knew that I wanted to join those in this community who supported The University of Iowa and its mission, but I also wanted to work on behalf of those in our community who need social services support. The United Way does a superb job of bringing people together and making this the kind of caring and responsive community where I want to live and work. I believe United Way's mission fundamentally helps us target how to make a sustained and meaningful impact on social service needs in our community. The 2020 Vision: Goals for the Common Good focusing on health, education and income is an impressive benchmark from which to launch meaningful change in our community. Through United Way's work, I have seen lives changed for the better.

Michael Pugh

Community Investment Chair
Attorney, Bradley & Riley, PC
My passion for the community comes from my children, who are 5th generation Iowa Citians. I have loved raising them here, because the quality of life and the other people who live here are exceptional.

Doug True

Treasurer & Internal Operations Chair
Senior VP & Treasurer, University of Iowa
My passion for the community comes from an understanding of how the community and the university need and thrive upon another. I love living and working in this community because it is young, intellectual, tolerant and caring about others. I began working with United Way in 2009 when asked to participate on the board of directors. I believe United Way’s mission reflects the needs and values of our community - it is designed locally. With United Way, I have seen collaboration during times of stress (flood of 2008 and its aftermath) and unequal volunteer spirit. Without United Way the community would be lessened, the local governments burdened, and individuals would be left to define the greatest needs for their support without a defining and quantitative process to establish community goals.

Timothy Ahlers

VP, Marketing and Business Development, Mercy Iowa City
I believe our community is a great place to live.  However, we all know people experience hardship and transition at times in their lives.  United Way is the one organization that coordinates the safety net to get us through those times, yet that is merely the baseline of United Way's purpose.  The real impact and what impresses me the most about United Way is its focus beyond the baseline to continue to improve the well-being of our community.

Gary Barta

Athletic Director, University of Iowa Athletics
My passion for the community comes from watching firsthand how willing people are to get involved. I love living and working in this community. People are genuine and care so deeply about others and making this a great place to live. I’m motivated to do what I can to help in some small way. I began working with United Way in the 1990’s. Through United Way's work, I have seen people from all walks of life come together to help others. Without United Way our community would be missing a valuable asset to help those in need. My belief that it makes our community better grows stronger every year. United Way's mission has been proven and tested over time. It works!

Anita Falkofske Eaton

Plant Manager, P&G's Oral-B Laboratories, Inc.
Without the United Way, there would be so many more people falling without a safety net to catch them.  They wouldn’t get the hand-up to help them find their footing.  They wouldn’t know the caring and support that keeps them from despair and gives them hope. I believe in the United Way’s Mission. As a person, as a community, as a nation, we are all stronger when we Live United. We help each other be better persons. We work for the common good. I love living in this community because people are so caring.  They get involved. They take action. They work to make it a better world.

Deb Enochson

1st VP, Service Coordination, University of Iowa Community Credit Union
I began working with United Way while I was Board Chair of a local agency in 1994. Through my time 6 years on the Citizens Review board (now called the Community Impact Council), I got to see the outcomes from each of the agencies and the impact of not having enough money to meet all of the needs. Each issue is actually a combination of issues. Through United Way’s work and leadership, I have seen collaboration on projects that no agency could attack alone.

Sue Evans

Chief Operating Officer, MidWestOne Bank
My passion for our United Way is for the all-encompassing effect the organization has with so many lives in Johnson County. My involvement with United Way began in 2010 when I served on the Campaign Cabinet. I knew it was a good fit because I had the opportunity to lead the East Polk United Way Volunteer Committee in Des Moines, IA in the mid-nineties and witnessed the positive outcomes the organization helped to provide to so many families and individuals. It is no different here and it was very easy to say “yes” when I was asked to serve.  I am passionate about helping people and the United Way is a perfect fit for me.

Patricia Heiden

Executive Director, Oaknoll Retirement Residence
I first became involved with United Way of Johnson County in 2009 when I was asked to join the Campaign Cabinet.  I experienced first hand the passion and commitment to the values and mission of United Way.  I saw, through it tireless efforts, how it strengthens our community by improving and enhancing the quality of life of those in need. The work of United Way is critical to the well being of this community and because of its initiatives, partnerships and collaborations, every day, it makes a difference is the lives of those it serves.

Tom Markus
City Manager, City of Iowa City

Our community has a strong history of caring and sharing which is expressed by the many generous people who live and work in this area.   Our citizens are engaged on a civic level and  in their participation and support of many fine social service agencies and non-profits who provide care and support for those whose needs exceed their capacity to always provide  for themselves.  United Way of Johnson County is a leader in securing funding for a number of worthwhile agencies and non-profits who provide significantly to the well being our community and its’ citizenry.  Through the UWJC 2020 Vision plan the United Way strategically invests its funds in the community where the funds will provide the greatest benefit to those in need.  United Way reflects the generous people of our community and directs its resources to those most in need.  It is a honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Directors.

 
Monica Nadeau

General Manager, Coral Ridge Mall
I have only been working with United Way for a few months and already am so impressed with the foresight in anticipating and preparing for the needs of the community.

Mark Nolte

Interim President, Iowa City Area Development Group

Nancy Quellhorst

President & CEO, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
My passion for the community comes from my respect for the highly-engaged populace. I love living and working in this community, because of the interesting, friendly people and easy access to many amenities. I began working with United Way in 2005 when we began the first United Way Power of the Purse event. I believe United Way's mission is critical to the social and economic health of our region. Through United Way's work, I have seen all sectors of the community working together for common good. Without United Way individual efforts would be fragmented, redundant and less effective.

Jon Whitmore

CEO, ACT, Inc.
I began working with United Way in 2010 when we returned to Iowa City after serving on United Way Boards in Silicon Valley and Lubbock, TX. I love living and working in this community, because of the intellectual, cultural, and healthcare resources. Through United Way's work, I have seen families make progress in overcoming their personal difficulties.

Brian Loring 

Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
My passion for the community comes from the people that roll up their sleeves when they see things that need to be done! I love living (and/or working) in this community, because there are so many smart and capable people with the interest and energy to make our community a happy and productive place for all of our citizens! Without United Way there’d be fewer smiles and a lot more tears. Through United Way's work, I have seen people become connected to larger community efforts. I am greatly reassured when I see the quality and dedication of the United Way.