Leadership
We value teamwork.
Executive Team

Linda Henecke
President & CEO
Linda has been leading the agency since 1995. During that time she has transformed the agency, building capacity for unprecedented growth in the number of children served and the funding to support those relationships. The program has grown from serving less than 200 children. This has made a lasting impact not only on children’s lives, but also on volunteers and the community.
Linda’s commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters is unquestionable, with nearly 25 years of participation. Before becoming President & CEO she served on the Board of Directors and got her start as a Big Sister to Mindy. That friendship continues to develop after all these years. Subsequently, Linda has mentored four children and truly understands the impact of one-to-one friendships.

Melissa Walker
CEO Elect

Katie Grandgeorge
Operations Director
Katie joined the agency as the Operations Director in 2013. Katie leads our Operations department and Bowl for Kids Sake event. Katie is passionate about supporting not only Big Brothers Big Sister's mission, but also creating a great place to work! The agency has won the CBJ's "Coolest Place to Work" in 2015, 2017 and 2020! She enjoys updating technology and processes that support our mentoring mission.
Katie recently became matched for a second time in our site based program. Outside of work, she enjoys getting out in the community and spending time with her husband and three young kids.

Catherine VanDraska
Program Development Director
Catherine VanDraska is a licensed social worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University. She comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters with experience in developing and leading youth programs within residential treatment and school based settings. Catherine was drawn to the agency by their mission and dedication for supporting youth within the community that she loves.
Catherine was born and raised in Cedar Rapids and hopes to dedicate her career to assisting at-risk youth within our community achieve their full potential. She looks forward to starting the volunteer acceptance process herself and being matched with a Little. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys going to the movies, being out in nature, running, and spending time with her husband, young daughter and their two dogs.

Stephanie Hartson
Program Director
Board of Directors
STEVE GOEDKEN
President
GreatAmerica Financial Services
JOSH STREETS
Vice President
Scoreboard Group
LAURIE WAHLHET
Secretary
MidWestOne Bank
DAVID DROESSLER
Treasurer
RSM US
BRANDON BESONG
TrueNorth
HAYLEIGH BOARDMAN
Shuttleworth and Ingersoll
BRANDON BOGGS
Merkle
WENDI CIGRAND
Alliant Energy
ERIC DAUFELDT
US Bank
LINDSEY GREENZWEIG
Transamerica
RICH LOY
Hills Bank & Trust
JASON PASKER
Ohnward Bank
ANN RUSKE
Collins Aerospace
JOE SAMPLE
Cornerstone Building Brands
MARK WILLIS
UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's
SHANNON WOOD
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust