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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa is pleased to welcome Melissa Walker as CEO Elect. Melissa will work alongside Linda Henecke, President/CEO during 2023 as Linda prepares to retire from agency leadership after 28 years.
 
Melissa brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a focus in prevention, advocacy, and family and children's services. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bethel University and Masters of Science in Management and Leadership from WGU. Prior to joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, Melissa held positions as the Deputy Director at the Area Substance Abuse Council and Director of Philanthropy at Tanager.
 
Melissa lives in Marion with her husband and two sons. She has been a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program since 2020 as a Big Sister to Nyla.

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

Stephanie first began her career with BBBS in 2014 as an Enrollment and Matching Specialist.  Throughout the years she has worked her way through many positions within the agency.  Stephanie has her MSW from UNI with an admin focus.  Stephanie has a strong passion for mentoring and knew when she started her career here that she was here to stay! Stephanie was also matched with her own little, Willie, from 2015 to 2020.  She continues to have a relationship with Willie and loves watching him grow.  
 
When Stephanie isn't working she enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, two dogs, other family and friends.  She enjoys hosting friends and family, reading, diamond art and napping. 

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