Board of Directors

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois is governed by community leaders across the council's 38 counties.

Officers

Tracy Schwind, Chair | Davenport

Tracy Schwind is Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer at Northwest Investment Corp. Tracy is passionate about supporting women and has served as a Lead(h)er Mentor and Chair of Women Lead Change Quad Cities Women Connect. In addition, she is a former board member for the Figge Art Museum, Davenport Public Library, Common Chord, and Davenport Schools Foundation.

Tracy is a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts and has always loved every step of being part of Girl Scouts along the way.

Anne Ryerson, Vice Chair | Geneseo

Anne Ryerson is the Manager of Common Electrical Systems Engineering for John Deere’s Ag Engineering division. An electrical engineer, Anne has experience in product development, electronics design, and product safety in her 24+ years at John Deere. Anne is passionate about helping inspire and develop youth in our communities to be tomorrow’s leaders. She has many years of experience leading STEM outreach and youth programs, through activities with FIRST Robotics, John Deere Inspire, and the Society of Women Engineers. A mother to three boys, she is also a Boy Scout leader and merit badge counselor with Troop 100 in Geneseo, Illinois.

Anne is a Gold Award recipient, lifetime member of Girl Scouts, and has been a member of the GSEIWI Board of Directors since 2013.

Mary Ann Brown, Treasurer | Burlington

Mary Ann Brown retired as a district court judge in the 8th Judicial District of Iowa after 20 years on the bench. She continues to work on a part time basis as a senior judge. Prior to her retirement she also served as the Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial District for 9 years . Before taking the bench she served as a prosecutor in the Des Moines County Attorney’s office and was in private practice with the firm of Bauer, Schulte, Hahn, Swanson and Brown, in Burlington, Iowa.

Over the years she has volunteered for several local community organizations such as the Burlington Library Board of Trustees, Burlington/West Burlington United Way, and Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on several Iowa Bar Association and Iowa Supreme Court committees.

Mary Ann is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. She was a girl scout as a child. As an adult she has served in many volunteer positions over the years including Cadette troop leader, long time member of the board of directors for Shining Trail Council and president of the board for six years. She most recently has served on the by-laws and finance committees for GSEIWI.

Chelsea Hillman, Secretary | Davenport

Chelsea is the Managing Director, Professional Programs at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. In this role, she leads the Student Experience team in supporting over 2,300 part-time, working professional graduate students. Prior to working at the University of Iowa, Chelsea earned her BBA in Marketing & Management, MBA, and Leadership certificate from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

She is a proud, third generation Girl Scout and Lifetime member who spent her girl years in Muscatine, IA, was a former troop leader in Geneseo, IL, and currently serves as a National Delegate (56th National Council Session) and GSEIWI Board Member.

Chelsea is passionate about building community and in addition to being a 10+ year Girl Scout volunteer, she previously held leadership volunteer positions with Iowa Women Lead Change, The PR Network of the Quad Cities, Young Professionals of the Quad Cities, the American Heart Association Go Red for Women, and various other non-profit organizations.

Members at Large toggle arrow

Teresa Colgan | Burlington

Teresa is the Chief Clinical Officer for Great River Medical Center in Burlington, Iowa, and has been volunteering with Girl Scouts for 35 years, starting as the camp nurse at Camp L-Kee-Ta. She did a wide range of volunteer roles and in 1999, began her tenure as a member of the Board of Directors for Shining Trail Council. She became Shining Trail Council President in 2003. Teresa co-chaired the Realignment Committee during our realignment and continued offering her leadership on a multitude of projects including strategic planning and performance excellence. Our council has prospered under her creative, strong and steady leadership.

Tim Conlon, Treasurer | Dubuque

Timothy J. Conlon is the CEO of Conlon Construction Co., a 122-year-old commercial construction company founded by his grandfather in 1903. Tim has over 55 years of experience in all aspects of the construction industry. As a business leader, Tim has served as President of the Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) and is currently on the board of directors for the Association of Business and Industry (ABI).

Tim has served on over 30 boards of directors and committees for nonprofit organizations, for which he was instrumental in fundraising and strategic planning. He is a founding board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and currently serves on the boards for the American Horticultural Society, Clarke University, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa, ABI, and MercyOne Medical Center.

Rachel Reed

Rachel Reed is the Manager of Customer Service at Muscatine Power and Water. She holds a Bachelor's Degreen in Business Administraiton with a focus on Continuous Improvement and Change Management, and has contributed to several major organizational initiatives. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rachel is deeply committed to empowering women and supporting the Muscatine community. She serves as a key committee member of the Muscatine Women's Leadership Network, helping to empower, connect, and inspire female leaders throughout the area. She is also a lead member of the MPW Women in Utilities team working to elevate, encourage, and support women in the utility industry. Rachel actively volunteers throughout the community and is committed to fostering leadership, confidence, and opportunity for young people.

Clara Garman | Marion

Clara is a Software/Systems Engineer at Rockwell Collins, now a conglomerate of Raytheon Technologies. Her work in software and aircraft systems engineering quickly led into several roles, including her current role of Data Manager and Project Cost Account Manager for Display Software on the Boeing 747 aircraft series.

She has been involved with United Way, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA and the Society of Women in Engineering over the course of many years. Clara is a strong supporter of natural and conservation initiatives. She currently holds a chair position on the SWE board for Girl Scout Days. This will be her fourth year on that board. and she initiated the new Older Girl Scout Day sleepover event in 2017.

Clara has been a Girl Scout since 1994, following a long career of growing confidence, having the courage to face her fears and being prepared for several challenges. In 2008, she was a Girl Scout camp director. For several years since, she has served on a multitude of Girl Scout committees for items such as property management, fund raising, training and a COVID task force. Her experiences in multiple councils has allowed Girl Scouts to share ideas and learn new skills.

Finally, Clara's passion lies in the outdoors. She has volunteered at our GSEIWI events since 2011, and likes to spend her vacation as a counselor at Camp Liberty. She may be considered crazy, but firmly believes that the more girls who are comfortable living in wilderness conditions, the more prepared they will be for the future of the world.

David Blakenship | Cedar Rapids

David retired from the Aegon-affiliated companies in 2016 following a 39-year career. He also founded and directs the Pathfinder Outdoor Education Center, which specializes in outdoor experiential education. As a professional, he is skilled at providing leadership in change management at organizations. He has served on many boards for organizations that create positive outcomes for youth. David has been married to his wife Lois for 50 years, has three children and five grandchildren.

Danica Hass

Danica has been employed at the Allen Child Protection Center since 2016 as a Forensic Interviewer. In her role, she interviews children and dependent adults for allegations of abuse and to date, has conducted roughly 1,300 interviews. During her employment, Danica has mentored other Allen Hospital employees, provided training to community members and professionals, and currently leads a Community Engagement Committee. Danica participates in multiple councils and organizations both inside and outside of work. Danica serves on the Executive Committee for the Iowa American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children and currently serves as the President of the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls.

Sarah Beckman

Sarah is a certified public accountant and shareholder of CPA Associates PC in Burlington, Iowa. She accredits her cookie sales experience as a former Brownie for fueling her passion for numbers. Sarah performs financial statement audits and prepares individual, business and not-for-profit tax returns. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to working at CPA Associates PC, Sarah was a manager with Ernst & Young LLP in Des Moines Iowa. Besides numbers, Sarah enjoys spending time with family, participating in farming operations with her husband and reading a great book.

Denise Greenhaw

Denise is a co-owner and General Manager of NextGen Motors of Muscatine. She formerly worked at HNI Corporation where she developed relationships with key dealers in efforts to drive growth and capabilities. She has a passion for developing women in the workforce and has volunteered for Women Lead Change Quad Cities Women Connect, Muscatine Women’s Leadership Network, Lead(h)er, and has participated in various panel discussions. She also serves on the board of Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association (IIADA) and champions an annual 5k run/walk for mental health awareness in Muscatine.

Denise has fond memories of her early days as a girl scout and is excited to help young girls build their courage, confidence and character to help them prepare for their future.

Sophie Marks

Sophie Marks is a marketing and brand strategist with a passion for leadership, storytelling, and community engagement. As the Associate Marketing & Communications Director at HOMELINK, a division of VGM Group, Inc., she leads enterprise marketing initiatives, brand strategy, and supports client engagement efforts. With a background in experiential marketing, brand development, and strategic communications, Sophie brings a creative and thoughtful perspective to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Iowa and Illinois board. She is dedicated to empowering young girls to build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of adventure.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, including her two young children, and is always looking for ways to create meaningful connections through storytelling and design.

Breann Payton

Breann Payton is a Sales Manager at Hyatt Regency Coralville with over four years of experience—and a lifelong love for teamwork thanks to her background in collegiate volleyball at UNI and coaching at the University of Iowa. When she is not working, she is all about family time, cheering on her niece and nephew, rooting for the Hawkeyes, and enjoying anything from boating and fishing to hiking, game nights, movies, and getting lost in a good book.

Board Development Committee toggle arrow

Chelsea Hillman, Davenport

Chelsea is the Managing Director, Professional Programs at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. In this role, she leads the Student Experience team in supporting over 2,300 part-time, working professional graduate students. Prior to working at the University of Iowa, Chelsea spent 10+ years in various marketing roles in large corporate and small business settings. Chelsea earned her BBA in Marketing & Management, MBA, and Leadership certificate from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

She is passionate about building community and has previously held leadership volunteer positions for Iowa Women Lead Change (fka The Women’s Connection), The PR Network of the Quad Cities, Young Professionals of the Quad Cities (fka The Network: Young Professionals of the Quad Cities), the American Heart Association Go Red for Women, and various other non-profit organizations.

Chelsea is a third generation Girl Scout who spent her girl years in Muscatine, IA, was a former troop leader in Geneseo, IL, and is a current Lifetime Member, National Delegate (56th National Council Session), Board Member, and volunteer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, fishing, reading, crocheting, and playing board games with her family and friends.

Danica Hass | Cedar Falls

Dee Vandeventer, Cedar Falls, IA

Dee’s passion is fundraising. In fact, on her 50^th birthday, she challenged her family and friends to contribute $50,000 more to nonprofit organizations than they had during the previous year. On the eve of her 51^st birthday, increased giving totaled more than $1.1 million to 177 organizations around the world.

As a founding partner and past president of ME&V, an integrated marketing communications and fundraising company, Dee has worked with hundreds of nonprofits throughout the country. In 2015, she moved from consultant into practitioner, serving as the chief development officer for the Allen Foundation, part of a 30,000 employee multi-state health system.

Dee’s a big believer in volunteerism and has led and served on several boards. Dee helped to establish the Cedar Falls Community Schools Foundation, the Cedar Valley Antiracism Coalition and the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance. She also has served on many community boards including the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, Waterloo Regional Airport Board, Cedar Falls Community Foundation, Community Bank & Trust Client Advisory Board, Rooted Carrot Co-op Market Advisory Council, OpportunityWorks, YWCA, First Congregational Church, Conestoga Council of Girl Scouts, Cedar Valley Hospice, Sturgis Falls, My Waterloo Days and Black Hawk Leadership.

She is delightfully married with two children and two grandchildren and loves to remember directing David Hasselhoff in high school plays. She lives by the philosophy of “having fun while doing well.”

Teresa Colgan | Burlington

Beth Nickel

Interested in joining our board?

Bring your expertise, experience, and connections to help move Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois forward as a member of our Board of Directors. Professionals from diverse backgrounds are invited to apply and share their unique perspectives and connections to the local Movement. We are looking for visionary individuals who believe that when girls succeed, we all succeed.

Expectations toggle arrow

Generate and increase revenue for the council
Make a personal gift to the council
Listen well to all points of view
Agree to conflict of interest statement and board member agreement
Express ideas and opinions clearly
Be a registered member of Girl Scouts
Prepare before each meeting
Attend and participate in five board meetings and the annual meeting
Agree to participate in committee and task force work
Ability to provide oversight
High standards of personal and professional integrity
Positive ambassador for the Girl Scouts

Girl Board Members

Girl Scouts in grades 10-12 are invited represent all Girl Scouts when addressing important decisions for the council. Girl board members will see women in leadership roles, make lasting connections, and share their thoughts about the Movement. Plus, it looks great on a resume! Applications will open on October 1st and are due December 31st. Girl Board Members will be interviewed and selected in January. Selected Girl Board Members will be voted in at the annual meeting in March and serve a one-year term.

Girl Board Members toggle arrow

Madie Herring

Madie Herring is a sophomore at Maquoketa High School and has been a Girl Scout member for 11 years. She joined Girl Scouts to be active with friends, do group activities, and serve her community. She is a Silver Award Girl Scout and is also involved in other school clubs like FFA, 4H, student senate, the golf team, bowling team, and Maquoketa youth trap team. As a Girl Board member, she hopes to bring new ideas to encourage more girls to join, impact her community, and learn from this leadership experience.

Sky’la Dixon

Sky’la Dixon is a Junior at Pleasant Valley High School. She has been a Girl Scout for a decade and is currently a Senior Girl Scout Juliette as part of SU 83600 in Muscatine, Iowa. An accomplished leader, she has earned both the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards and was featured on CNN's "Salute to Kids" for her community literacy project. She has represented Girl Scouts internationally, attending a leadership camp in Japan and participating in troops in New York, Texas, and South Korea. Recognized as the Youth Volunteer of the Year at Fort Drum, she has dedicated hundreds of hours to service with organizations like the American Red Cross and the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association in military communities around the world. She enjoys talking to younger youth about her experiences while living in different military communities.

Tristen Lester

Tristen Lester enjoys traveling, sports, volunteering, and trying new things. She has had the oppotunity to travel to 4 different countries through Girl Scouts. She is also a member of the volleyball, color guard, and basketball teams at her school. Tristen's volunteer work includes volunteering through clubs like the Black Student Union, Student Ambassadors, and Linn Mar Television. Tristen has earned Academic Awards with Honors, the Mississippi Valley Conference Academic Award, and the Girl Scout Silver Award. She is looking forward to is completeing the Girl Scout Gold Award and going to a university.

Expectations toggle arrow