JEAN TRAINOR

 1999 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

 Jean Trainor is a lifelong resident of the Cedar Valley. She is a recovering Veridian Credit Union CEO and CPA. She recalibrated from Veridian in 2015 and then spent most of her time working with Inclusion Connection, a nonprofit that works to promote inclusive communities to live, learn, work and play together. She now lives in picturesque Waverly, IA and is really retired enjoying her favorite career of being Nate's Mom.

Jean has been involved with Cedar Valley United Way for more years than she would like to admit. She served as Campaign Chair in 1999 working closely with Stacy Van Gorp, then as the staff Campaign Director. We liked to have fun with pink flamingos during our campaign. I support Cedar Valley United Way because it is a way to come together as a community to make a difference in people's lives. There are so many ways that we divide ourselves. This is a way that we can exhibit the power of community. As Dave Deaver points out, it is even possible for credit unions and banks to work together! ⬇

 DAVE DEAVER

 2005 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

 Dave Deaver, 2005 Cedar Valley United Way Campaign Chair, at the time, was President of the First National Bank of Cedar Falls, and part of the re-founding of that local commercial community bank. Dave started his involvement with Cedar Valley United Way in 1989, where he remembers working on the Allocations Committee with Jean Trainor (then from John Deere Community Credit Union). As a banker, Dave found himself even enjoying working with Jean (a credit union employee!) to support human services in the Cedar Valley and doing it "the United Way".

 DEE VANDEVENTER

 2006 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

 Dee is a firm believer in having fun while doing well and that's why she shares her time, talents and treasurers with Cedar Valley United Way. She believes Cedar Valley United Way helps us help address the gaps of the most vulnerable people in our community. When they can thrive, we all thrive. And that feels good.

Dee, along with Sharon Juon, was the founder of the Women's Philanthropy Connection - now known as Women United.

 TIM HURLEY

 2008 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 KATHY MCCOY

 2008 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 RON STEELE

 2011 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 For almost 55 years, in Iowa and around the world, Ron has reported history in the making for KWWL News.

A member of the Iowa Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, Ron was in Saudi Arabia for the Persian Gulf War, when Desert Shield became Desert Storm. He was at the White House when the American hostages came home from Iran. One of his favorite assignments took him aboard Air Force One to interview President George Bush as President Bush flew from New Mexico to Iowa for an address in Des Moines.

The Iowa Broadcast News Association has honored Ron with its highest honor, the Jack Shelley Award. He has also won numerous other IBNA News and Sports awards, including Spot News Story of the Year and Sports Story of the Year. Ron is a multiple 1st place winner of the IBNA's Excellence in Anchoring Award. He is a member of the University of Iowa Hall of Fame, through the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences also honored Ron with its Silver Circle Award during the annual Upper Midwest Emmy Awards program in 2011. He is a multiple Emmy award winner and nominee. 

In addition to Ron's many career achievements, he is also passionate about helping others. Jeremy, a 9-year-old Iowa boy dying of cancer, called Ron from his hospital bed to ask Ron if KWWL could do a story about Make-A-Wish, which had granted Jeremy's dying with for a trip to Florida. Because of that story, Ron was a charter board member for the former Make-A-Wish of Northeast Iowa. Additionally, Ron's award-winning Iowa's Child adoption program has found loving families and a permanent home for around 200 special needs children. Ron also chaired the Community Committee, which helped raise enough money to build the $11 million Five Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Downtown Waterloo. During his 2011 Co-Chairing of the Cedar Valley United Way Campaign, Ron and Dave Braton set an all-time campaign donation record for Cedar Valley United Way.

Ron anchors the KWWL News at 6 and KWWL News at 10. He also produces and anchors the weekly, half-hour program, The Steele Report.

Ron and his wife, Candy, have been married 55 years and have three grown children, Ben, Katie and Luke along with eight grandchildren, Harper, Henry, Raeleigh, Anderson, Josephine, Hannah, Gordon and Evelyn.

Learn more about Ron at www.kwwl.com/contact/meet-the-team/.

 JACK AND HOLLY DUSENBERY

 2012 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

 Holly and her husband, Jack, moved to the Cedar Valley from Charleston, South Carolina in 2003, where they reside along with their two kids and dog, Napa. You may remember Holly and Jack as Sonny and Cher during their 2012 Campaign.

Holly served on the Cedar Valley United Way Board of Directors for six years. Additionally, Holly worked part-time as a Campaign Representative for Cedar Valley United Way, as her passion for raising money for the Cedar Valley grew after visiting the agencies we support and having a better understanding of how money raised at Cedar Valley United Way gets distributed. 

Jack retired as the MercyOne Northeast Iowa president in April of 2023 after 20 years at MercyOne. 

 PAM DELAGARDELLE

 2015 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 Pam Delagardelle began her career in healthcare as a nurse in 1983. She successfully moved up through the ranks in healthcare from Director of Patient Care, to Managed Care Facilitator, to Clinical Integration Coordinator, and eventually to CEO. She also served as an Assistant Professor at Allen College in Waterloo. Under Pam's leadership, the hospitals and systems she's managed have won numerous awards for safety, patient care, and patient satisfaction.

Pam earned her Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing from Mount Mercy in 1984. She earned her Master's Degree of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Iowa in 1997, with an emphasis on hospital and business administration. She was the recipient of the Mount Mercy University Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and a participant in the Success Follows alumni outcomes project.

Pam has served on numerous professional and community boards as a member and chair, including the Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation Board, and HealthNet Connect Board. She has served Holy Family Parish in many capacities, including new church committee chair and capital campaign chair, Sacristan, Luturgist and Volunteer, and has served on the Saint Edward's School Board of Education. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, Kappa Xi Chapter.

Pam is married, has five children, and lives with her husband, Rick, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

 TONY DICECCO

 2015 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 A native of Niagra Falls, New York, Tony DiCecco graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. While at Upper Iowa University, Tony played baseball from 1967-1970 and was inducted into the Upper Iowa University Hall of Fame in the coaching category in 2003.

Embarking on a career in teaching/coaching at West Central in Maynard, where he led his 1973 softball team to a third-place finish in the state tournament. His career took him to Montezuma High School in Montezuma, Iowa, where he taught Physical Education and Coach for girl's basketball. He compiled a 306-69 record as the girl's basketball coach. His teams made two state tournament appearances, and won eight conference titles. He then headed to Creighton University as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach from 1989 to 1995.

In 1995, Tony took the head women's basketball coaching position, and in his 12 seasons at the helm of the UNI women's basketball program, Tony established a tradition of postseason basketball. He helped the Panthers advance to the WNIT three times. He ended his career with 183 victories - the most in school history at the time. He was named Missouri Valley Coach of the Year in 2005. He ranks sixth all-time in MVC league wins at 117 and eighth in the MCV in all-time wins at 183. He is also the seventh-longest tenured coach in Missouri Valley Conference History. He had five seasons with 18 or more wins. Six Panthers earned MVC All-Tournament team honors under his tenure and 19 players earned All-Conference recognition.

Along with his leadership on the court, he was also a powerful influence on the entire athletic department. He was a key driver in the first Rally in the Valley, which has grown into the single-biggest annual fundraising event for the Panther Scholarship Club, which helps raise money for scholarships for student athletes at UNI. 

In addition to his athletic success, Tony and Pam Delagardelle led the 2015 "What do you aspire for the Cedar Valley" theme. He also helped other nonprofits in the Cedar Valley including House of Hope and Friends of the Family, and was a Community Advisor for UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital. Tony started his motivational speaking company - The Tony D. Connection - in 2011 to encourage individuals to make every day count.

Tony and his wife Kristi, currently reside in picturesque Bonita Springs, Florida.

 DON AND MICHELLE TEMEYER

 2016 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

 Don and Michelle have been active community members all of their adult lives by serving alongside many area nonprofits and civic organizations. They believe that by giving, whether that is time, talent, or resources, the entire community wins! The hard work is never done - and that is why they urge others to contribute by doing what they can - when they can. By working together, we lighten the load for everyone.

Don retired as a Director of Planning and Development for the City of Waterloo and Michelle as the Executive Director of the Waterloo Community Foundation. Don likes to build furniture when not golfing and Michelle loves gardening and flowers!

 TONY THOMPSON

 2017 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 Sheriff Tony Thompson took office on January 1, 2009. However, his law enforcement career started much earlier when he joined the US Army as a military police officer in 1988. He retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 2009, with 21 years of service. His career with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office began in March 1994, and he has worked in the Jail, Special Services, Patrol, and now Administrative Divisions. His prior assignments include Drug Education Officer, Community Services Coordinator, Computer Crimes Investigator, Patrol Officer, Public Information Officer and SWAT Team leader prior to taking command of the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Tony Thompson is currently on the Executive Board for Black Hawk County Economic Development Inc.; a board member of the MercyOne Hospital Foundation Board; member and past Council President of the Executive Board for the Winnebago Council of the Boy Scouts of America; Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning on the Justice Advisory Board; serves on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services' Complex Mental Health Needs Subcommittee; serves on the Black Hawk County 9-1-1 Service Board, the Consolidated Communications Board and the Criminal Justice Information System Service Board; serves on the Black Hawk County Emergency Management Commission and more. 

Sheriff Tony Thompson is actively involved in fundraising for other organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Family and Children's Council, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Cancer Society. 

Learn more about Sheriff Thompson at www.bhcso.org/about-us.

 DAN TRELKA

 2017 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 Dan Trelka was appointed Waterloo Chief of Police in May of 2010. He started his career as a deputy sheriff in Weld County, Colorado from 1990-1992. Following that, he was a member of the Sturgeon Bay (Wisconsin) Police Department from 1992-2010, where he served as Chief of Police from 2003 until coming to the Waterloo Police Department. Dan became a Board Member for the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors in 2018, and is on his second term. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and was deployed three times. Dan is also a member of AMVETS, VFW and the American Legion.

Dan is a board member for the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force. He is also involved with Family and Children's Council, Cedar Valley's Promise, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Upper Wapsi Water Management Authority, Courthouse and Building Security, and Employee Health Insurance.

Dan and his wife, Sandy, have been married since 1987, and have ten children and five grandchildren.

 STEVE CARIGNAN

 2019 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 Steve Carignan, Associate Dean and Instructor in Arts Administration at the University of Northern Iowa, is celebrating his fourteenth year as Executive Director at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Steve is responsible for overseeing all operations at the Center. Steve also serves as Associate Dean for Outreach and Special Programs at the University of Northern Iowa, overseeing all events and events facilities on campus.

Prior to moving to Iowa, Steve worked at the Maine Center for the Arts at the University of Maine for 14 years. Steve is a leader and manager, a marketer, a fundraiser, an educator, a consultant, a husband and a father of two fine young men.

Since arriving in Iowa 14 years ago, Steve has worked with the Iowa Arts Commission and served on multiple cultural and nonprofit boards. For four years, Steve served on the Iowa Public Radio executive board and served a nine-month stint as that organization's Executive Director.

Steve received a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre from Dickinson College, and also a Master's Degree in Theatre from the University of Maine. Steve was named a fellow of the Stanford Graduate School of Business' Center for Social Innovation in 2003, and received his PhD in Higher Education at Iowa State University in 2012.

 ANGELA WEEKLEY

 2019 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 Angela is a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. She has always been passionate about serving others. This passion is currently expressed through her position as the Manager of Community Inclusion at Veridian Credit Union where she has been for nearly 13 years. In addition to her passion being present through her career, in her free time, Angela works with a variety of other community organization where she is able to serve as well. The Salvation Army, Waterloo Community Development, Lutheran Services in Iowa, and as a Champion for Cedar Valley United Way. These organizations have all had the opportunity to experience Angela's willingness to be a helping hand in the community and this list has (and will continue) to grow over time.

As a proud Waterloo native, it is no surprise that Angela went on to graduate from nearby Wartburg College, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education and then went on to University of Northern Iowa where she earned her Master's Degree in Post-Secondary Education. 

When asked why she is a Champion for Cedar Valley United Way, Angela states, "Being a part of Champions for United Way, I get to help people understand the importance of sowing into others and providing them with opportunities to grow, live and thrive in the Cedar Valley".

 BRYAN EARNEST

 2020 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 AMY WIENANDS

 2020 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

 STACEY BENTLEY

 2021 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

ROBERT L. SMITH, JR.

2021 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

Robert L. Smith, Jr., a native of Dallas, Texas, earned a B.A. degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. Robert was a student athlete where he played four years of football as a wide receiver and participated in track and field for the University of Iowa.

Robert is in his 22nd year as a NCAA Big 10 football official. He has a total of 32 years as an official for college football and high school girls and boys basketball. Robert received the NFHS Officials Association Official of the Year for boys and girls basketball. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame, and the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Basketball Officials Hall of Fame.

Robert is a former member of the Waterloo Community School District Board of Education and a former Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. Some of his many awards received include the Afro American Community Broadcasting Inc. Foundation, Kappa Alpha Phi Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Waterloo Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award, Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Public Citizen of the Year and the Paul Harris Fellowship Scholarship Award.

Robert lives in Waterloo, Iowa with his Wife Terri, daughter Alexis and son Malcom. He is currently the Executive Director of the Educational Opportunity Programs and Special Community Services with the University of Northern Iowa.