At its December 2024 meeting, the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) Foundation elected five new members to its Board of Directors. Their terms officially began in January 2025.

Hunter Callanan of Clear Lake is a long-time community advocate and volunteer. She attended Loras College and obtained a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Callanan has been involved with North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation, Human Resource Association of North Iowa, and Empower Rural Iowa. Both her mother and father previously served on the NIACC Foundation Board. She and her husband, Casey, are active members of the community.

Kelly Larson of Thompson is a senior development analyst at Principal Financial. After earning an associate degree at NIACC in 1996, Larson earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship. She is currently pursuing a Master of Finance degree at Iowa State University. Larson holds an elected position with Winnebago County Extension and enjoys volunteering with the Thompson Garden Club. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, being creative, and spending time outdoors.

Michael Moeller of Clear Lake is an attorney at Laird Law Firm. Moeller attended NIACC during the summer and earned a bachelor degree in business and administration at the University of Iowa before obtaining a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline University. He serves on several boards, including Clear Lake Community School District, Metropolitan Family Services, and Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission. Moeller is also an active member of Clear Lake Noon Lions club and Lions Club International and volunteers with Iowa Legal Aid. He and his wife, Rachelle, have three children.

Jeremy Peters of Mason City is a wealth advisor at JP Wealth Advisors. He obtained an AA degree from NIACC in 1998 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from Buena Vista University at the NIACC campus. Peters and his wife, Angela, have three children.

Amy Wilhelm of Lake Mills works as direct support staff at One Vision. Wilhelm earned a Bachelor of Science degree in community health and social work from Minnesota State. She serves on the Worth County Development Board and has coordinated Reese’s Run for Autism Awareness for the past ten years. She and her husband, Tom, have three children.

The meeting also featured a special recognition for the outgoing president Nancy Barnes, whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Foundation’s mission and initiatives. Barnes completes nine years on the board, including the final two as President.

Other business included the election of officers for 2025. Shanan Redinger will serve as President with Mary Amsbaugh serving as Vice President. Mindy Eastman will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

The NIACC Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of community members from around NIACC’s service area, including Sherry Becker, Dennis Busta, Amanda Crowell, Lindsey Falk, Bill Feller, Tom Mangan, Debra Meade, Stephanie Nettleton, Kirk Paulson, Bill Paulus, Joe Popp, Pam Roberts, Paul Rottinghaus, Rod Schlader, David Steffens, and Jean Torgeson.

Created in 1968 as a separate 501(c)(3) organization, the NIACC Foundation strives to keep higher education accessible to North Iowa residents through student scholarships and to enhance the programs and activities of the College.

The NIACC Foundation is dedicated to financially supporting NIACC students and the College community. By building strong relationships, the Foundation maximizes private gift support and public funding, effectively managing assets to benefit the College. The Foundation awards scholarship and grants that support student success and funds improvements to facilities and services. If you’re interested in learning more about the NIACC Foundation or would like to explore how you can contribute to securing the future of the College through a gift, please contact us at (641) 422-4386 or visit us online at www.niacc.edu/foundation

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The mission of North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, NIACC is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa, serving approximately 3,000 career and transfer students each year. Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation’s leading community colleges, NIACC is where futures are found. Start your journey today at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-mkt/. Future, Found.