Board of Directors
Aaron Nickman
Local Advisor
2021-2024
Lewis Central High School
Alyson Ball
State Officer Representative
2023-2024
MMCRU High School
Ami Burns
Industry Representative
2023-2026
Vermeer Corporation
Ben Applegate
Local Advisor
2023-2026
Waverly-Shell Rock High School
Cale Hutchings
Corporate Member
2023-2024
Iowa Department of Education
Curt Cornelius
Local Advisor
2023-2026
Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny Campus
Jacob Henderson
Local Advisor
2022-2025
OABCIG High School
Jenny Irlmeier
Industry Representative
2021-2024
Masonry Institute of Iowa
Kent Storm
State Director
2023-2024
SkillsUSA Iowa
Matt Hansen
Local Advisor, Board President
2022-2025
MMCRU High School
Shane Peterson
Local Advisor
2021-2024
West Lyon High School
VACANT B&I 3
Industry Representative
2022-2025
VACANT
The Board of Directors is the policy-making group for SkillsUSA Iowa. Members of the Board work together to set a strategic direction for the association and ensure that our resources are aligned with our mission to empower our members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible citizens.
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What value would I receive by serving on the SkillsUSA Iowa Board of Directors?
Serving on the Board of Directors is a commitment, but it is also an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our student members who have committed to personal and professional development. Your knowledge and experience will play a key role in developing and supporting the SkillsUSA mission is built upon — and its success depends on —the commitment of our members and partners to the following values:
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Integrity
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Respect
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Responsibility
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Community
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Service
The value you will receive is priceless when you serve to change the life of our next generation to reduce the skills gap. SkillsUSA produces the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success. Below are videos showing what SkillsUSA means to student members and their advisors.
In addition to local leadership opportunities for student members at their school, SkillsUSA Iowa offers leadership opportunities at the district and state levels. Click here to see our SkillsUSA Iowa State Officers. Your service on the board of directors will help shape our next generation of leaders!
What is the role of a Board member?
The Board of Directors is the single governing body of SkillsUSA Iowa. It actively promotes the objectives of the organization, operating in accordance with the programs and policies established by the Board and those in the bylaws.
What are the fiduciary responsibilities of a Board member?
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Duty of Care—The Board and the Board member’s obligation to be reasonably informed, to act in good faith, and to be diligent in making decisions.
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Duty of Loyalty—The Board and the Board member’s obligation to be accountable by putting personal interests aside for the greater good.
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Duty of Obedience—The Board and the Board member’s obligation to comply with legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements and to serve as a guardian of the association’s mission.
What does it mean to be on the Board?
When you serve on the Iowa Board of SkillsUSA , you are asked to bring your experience and advocate for the best interest of all stakeholders at the state level. Board members meet periodically to discuss and vote on the affairs of the organization.
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What is the selection process to be on the Board?
The Board of Directors has established a Governance Committee to oversee the recruitment and nomination process for directors. The committee, which includes members from the board and from the association at large, will recommend a slate of nominees for the open Board seats to the Board. In selecting individuals to nominate, the Governance Committee will consider qualifications and experience, diversity benchmarks, and geographic location to support current and anticipated initiatives.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SkillsUSA strives to ensure inclusive participation in all of our programs, partnerships and employment opportunities. In SkillsUSA, diversity encompasses differences in race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition status, national origin, age, physical and mental ability, thinking styles, experience and education. We strive to make all members, partners and employees feel welcomed and valued in the SkillsUSA family. SkillsUSA believes in treating all people with respect and dignity. We want SkillsUSA to be regarded as a membership organization of choice that encourages all individuals to be involved.The Board of Directors has committed to the importance of understanding, fostering, and celebrating diverse perspectives and experiences through DEI education and training. In that spirit, we encourage professionals with diverse viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds to apply.
What preparation will I receive before my first Board meeting?
New Board members will be given an orientation to bring them up to speed on Board issues and the roles and responsibilities of a Board member.
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How many meetings are there and what is the travel commitment?
There are four meetings per school/program year, typically in September, December, March, and June. Additionally, Board members are asked to participate in SkillsUSA’s programming by attending conferences to provide support for SkillsUSA Iowa’s programs.
There are occasional online meetings or webinars, such as the annual online Board orientation or informative webinars for advisers, which are optional, but recommended, for Board members. Additional virtual Board meetings may take place as needed.
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Reimbursable Expenses
This is a volunteer position, so there is no compensation for serving on the Board. However, SkillsUSA Iowa covers travel expenses for Board members to include:
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Travel (ground transportation, tolls, parking)
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Meals
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Hotel
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For teachers and college professors, one day of substitute teacher compensation reimbursement for each day of official Board of Directors duty that falls on a school day, payable to the school upon request of the board member.
What are the committees of the Board?
The committees may change from year to year based on the strategic plan and needs. Board members are asked to actively participate in committee work and meetings to further the mission of the organization.
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What leadership opportunities are available?
Board members have the opportunity to be an officer of the Board (president, vice president, secretary) or a chair of a committee, task force, or council. In addition to the opportunity to be a chair of a committee or task force, Board members also have the opportunity to serve as an officer of the Board.
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