Leadership

We value teamwork, shared voice, and empowering youth.

Executive Team


Stephanie Hartson

Interim- CEO, Chief Operations Officer

Stephanie has enjoyed a career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa for the past nine years. She began her career in social work in 2005. She received her BSW in 2007 and MSW in 2009 from UNI. Starting as an Enrollment and Matching Specialist, Stephanie worked her way to become the Program Director and now sits as our Operations Officer. 

Stephanie's passion in based in mentorship and supporting youth. She is also happy to support the agency run smoothly on the back end. Stephanie mentored Little Brother Willie for five years. She was also a Big Sister to a Little Sister Kaylee in the Lunch Buddy Program.

When Stephanie is not at work she is enjoying time with her husband, two kids and two dogs. She’s an avid reader and enjoys bike riding.

Email: [email protected]

Catherine VanDraska

Chief Program Officer

Catherine joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters team in May 2021. Catherine is a licensed social worker and received her MSW at the University of Iowa. She has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth within our community in prevention and treatment settings. 

Catherine was drawn to the agency by their mission and dedication to support youth within the community that she loves. She has two Littles in the program - Brandon, an eleven year old boy in our Community Based program and Believe, a seven year old girl in our Lunch Buddies program.  

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys going to the movies, being out in nature, running and spending time with her husband, two young daughters and their two dogs.

Email: [email protected]

Emily Zimmon

Chief Development Officer

With a career spanning over a decade, Emily brings a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and creating opportunities for all. After graduation from Cornell College, Emily spent three impactful years as an educator on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, before returning to Iowa in 2015.

Emily’s passion for creating positive change flourished during her six-year tenure at Willis Dady, where she developed and implemented the Homeless Prevention, Street Outreach, and Employment programs.

Emily is an avid reader, traveler, and explorer of curiosities. She loves learning new things, hanging out with her dogs, practicing jiu jitsu, and collecting everything from old books and cameras to tattoos to random tchotchkes.

Email: [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JOSH STREETS
President
Scoreboard Group

 

PANKIT KOTECHA
Vice President
Collins Aerospace

 

LAURIE WAHLHET
Secretary
MidWestOne Bank

 

DAVID DROESSLER
Treasurer
RSM US

 

HAYLEIGH BOARDMAN
Mercy Medical Center

 

WENDI CIGRAND
Alliant Energy

 

ERIC DAUFELDT
US Bank

 

LORRIE ERUSHA
Mercy Foundation

 

BEN FRAZIER
Northwestern Mutual

 

JASON PASKER
Ohnward Bank

 

JOE SAMPLE
Cornerstone Building Brands

 

DOMINGO VEGA
Alliant Energy

 

SHANNON WOOD
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust

 

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JOHN RODRIGUEZ
Chair
Retired

JON BANCKS
Morgan Stanley

MARY BROBST
Mercy Medical Center

MATT DOTY
GreatAmerica Financial Services

NATE DUNN
F&M Bank

DONNA GARLAND
Nesper Sign

JIM HADDAD
Retired

DUANE JASPER
Destinations Unlimited

KEVIN JASPER
Hibu

JAMES KLEIN
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust

RUSS NIELAND
Carson Wealth

MICHELLE NIERMANN
Unity Point, St. Lukes