Shannon McNaul, Executive Director: Shannon is the current Executive Director and only full-time employee at the Galaxy. She is a state-licensed Social Worker with a degree in Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice. She has worked in the community for 12 years with local youth initiatives ranging from therapy services to community planning and fundraising for youth. She is also a member of the City Council and enjoys planning and coordinating youth activities which promote ownership and responsible social behavior. Sam Cox, Programming Assistant: Sam has been with the Galaxy part time for two years and works with-in the community as a full time realtor. She enjoys her time with teens and is committed to making Grinnell great! Taylor Leathem, Programming Assistant:
Bill Ford, President and Treasurer: Bill is a current CPA and is the newest board President. He started as treasurer in January of 2004 and enjoys assisting the Galaxy in its endeavors to create and maintain a safe space for Grinnell youth. Bill is also a member of the local Lion's organization and enjoys spending his downtime with his wife and daughter.
Gary Meldrem, Vice President: Gary has been the Assistant Middle School Principal in Grinnell for the past 3 years. Prior to that he was the Principal in Dows, Iowa, and taught Industrial Technology and Computers in Mallard. He is on the Poweshiek County Mental Health Board, Tobacco Coalition Board, and the Galaxy Board. He also serves on several committees for the school system. Gary lives in Grinnell and has a summer home on Lake Cornelia. He enjoys the outdoors, especially motorcycling and fishing.
Alicia Blankenfeld, Secretary: Alicia is co-owner of Total Choice Shipping. She has lived in Grinnell for 20 years and is a Grinnell High School graduate. She is married to Cory and they have one daughter, Olivia. Upon graduating from Coe College, she and her husband decided to move back to Grinnell to be near family. They love the small-town atmosphere and all the activities for families and children. Alicia is excited to be involved with a great youth-driven organization.
Maura Strassberg, Past President: Maura is a professor of law at Drake University and has been a resident of Grinnell for 14 years. She is the mother of 2 children ages 9 and 14, and is a former board member of the Pink Tower Montessori Preschool and Domestic Violence Alternatives. Maura's partner is also a college professor, at Grinnell College. Maura believes, "The Galaxy provides a wonderful opportunity to put into place some of the many creative ideas people in this town have about youth recreation, entertainment, and education."
Dave Ness, Board Member: Dave is currently the Vice President of Operations at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. He earned a degree in accounting and a credential of advanced studies in health services administration from the University of Minnesota. He served as CEO in 2 rural Iowa hospitals prior to joining the GRMC staff in 1986. He is active in the Grinnell community serving on the board of directors of numerous organizations. He is a native of Story City, Iowa. He is married to Kris and they have 3 adult children: Ryan, Katy and Laura.
Deb Henderson, Board Member:
Richard Bermann, Board Member: Richard is a life-time resident of Grinnell and works with his father in the family business. He is a new father and belongs to many committees within Grinnell and it's political structure, including the Human Rights Commission and Grinnell Renaissance. Richard believes in change and that youth are the future, so we should care for them carefully now.
Tony Farmer, Board Member: Tony has taught Physical Education and Health at Grinnell High School since 2003. He coaches football, wrestling, and tennis at GHS, as well as numerous other youth sports in the community. He is the President of the Grinnell Griffins Rugby Club, and the Vice President of the Grinnell Tennis Association. He lives in Grinnell with his family, Anne, Avery, and Alex. In leisure time, Tony enjoys biking, racquet sports, swimming, and many other outdoor activities.
Austin Jones, Board Member: Austin is the Executive Vice President, CFO, Trust Officer and Director of Grinnell State Bank and has been with the bank since 1986 and oversees the Investments, Trust and Computer Departments. Wife, Kim, works for Grinnell Regional Medical Center in OB. Father of 3 daughters: Alyson, Kelsey, and Miranda. Currently is Vice Chair of the Mayflower Homes Foundation, Treasurer of the United Church of Christ Congregational Church, Grinnell Productions and the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center, Past President of the Grinnell Kiwanis Club, serves on the boards of the Grinnell Poweshiek Community Foundation, University of Northern Iowa Les Hale Foundation and Grinnell Bicycle Club. Loves bicycling, running and swimming, and has participated in numerous RAGBRAI's.
Russ Motta, Board Member: Russ is a certified police officer who currently works as a security officer at Grinnell College. He is married with 2 children and has resided in Grinnell for the past 8 years. Russ is active in many local organizations and teaches Sunday School. Russ looks forward to assisting in the changes which will occur within the Galaxy during the next few years as Grinnell grows.
Jeff Finch, Board Member:
Delphina Baumann, Board Member:
Emily Schultz, Board Member:
Lindsay Reed, Galaxy Program Supervisor: Lindsay is a recent graduate of
Darcy Dean, STARS Program Supervisor: Darcy is a Grinnell native and has recently returned to school to gain her teachers endorsement to go along with her bachelors in Art. She has been working with the k-4 program for 4 years and is in her second year as supervisor.
