Jill Wenger
Administrative Assistant
Jill provides administrative support for the Board Office. Prior to this position she worked for Johnson County Livable Community, freelanced graphic design and administrative services, and worked for the City of Iowa City, in Document Services (now Communications) department.
Allison Wells
Grants Manager
Allison leads the grants team administering the annual Economic Development and Quality of Life grant programs, overseeing the administration of state and federal dollars, assisting other departments in proposal development and grant administration, and managing grant-funded projects. Prior to becoming Grants Manager, Allison worked as the Grants Assistant for two years and in Elections at the Auditor’s Office before that. Allison holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in History and Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies from the University of Iowa as well as a B.A. in History and Political Science from Beloit College. In her free time, Allison enjoys running, baking, and reality television.
Peter Fegley
Program Compliance Specialist
Peter provides oversight and assistance to departments and offices as well as external recipients of grant funds to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations. He also establishes, implements, and maintains internal policies and procedures related to program funding initiatives. Peter holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University and a B.A. in Psychology from Central College. Before becoming the Program Compliance Specialist, Peter spent many years fundraising, most recently as the Senior Assistant-Development for the Iowa City Public Library. Outside of work, Peter enjoys spending time with his family, biking, playing music, and supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals.
Melissa Robert
Special Projects Manager
Melissa manages a broad variety of projects, including special initiatives and vertical infrastructure capital improvements, while incorporating quality improvement and sustainability principles. She manages public bidding and contracts and coordinates stakeholder communication. Before joining Johnson County, Melissa managed conservation programs and initiatives at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She also served as a representative on the Equity and Inclusion Committee. Beyond project management, she has experience in data analytics, process improvements, and contract administration. She has also worked in the energy efficiency, food, and customer service industries. She holds and M.S. in Environmental Conservation and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Outside of work, she enjoys sampling local foods and spending time with her family at Iowa City parks and festivals.
James Bechtel
Project and Systems Analyst
James provides support for strategic development and implementation of improvement projects, programs, and special county initiatives. He provides coordination for improving the County’s core functions and evaluating the impact systems improvements have on the County’s growth. Before joining the Board Office, James worked at Johnson County Public Health supporting performance improvement in department operations, workforce development, and community insights, as well as serving as the Accreditation Coordinator for the department. James holds a B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Iowa and a M.S. in Urban & Regional Planning from the School of Planning and Public Affairs (University of Iowa).
Ilsa DeWald
Local Food and Farm Manager
Ilsa oversees the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, a 160 acre farm that provides a public space for connecting to the land and local history through inclusive, community-led opportunities. The Historic Poor Farm hosts land access and shared infrastructure for farmers and gardeners, historic tours of buildings and barns, publicly accessible natural areas, and is soon to have a shared-use kitchen onsite. Ilsa provides community and resource connections, collaboration assistance, and other support to farmers, processors, marketers, educators, distributers, and other members of our community-based food system. She supports the Johnson County Food Policy Council with their policy and funding recommendations, public forums, and strategic planning. Before joining Johnson County in May 2018, Ilsa worked at North Liberty Community Pantry as the Garden and Volunteer Coordinator. Ilsa received a B.A. in Environmental Science and a Sustainability Certificate from the University of Iowa.
Julie Watkins
Event and Program Assistant
Julie supports the planning, production, and marketing of events and programming at Johnson County’s Historic Poor Farm.
She graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Geography and minors in Gender Studies, Spanish, and GIS. Julie served as the Events and Admin Coordinator at the Iowa City Downtown District before entering her current role with Johnson County. Beyond work, she spends her time biking, singing, and drawing.
Maddie McCabe
Local Foods Assistant
Maddie assists in the development and implementation of policy and program initiatives that improve access to locally produced food for area residents. She also provides staff support to the Food Policy Council and supports program development and events at the Historic Poor Farm.
Prior to this position, Maddie worked as the Vendor Specialist with the Iowa City Farmers Market. She earned her M.P.H. in Community and Behavioral Health from the University of Iowa and a B.A. in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience from Grinnell College.
Paola Jaramillo Guayara
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Paola leads the county’s effort to promote and enhance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as they permeate through local county government and the greater Johnson County community. Through programs, trainings, and services, she promotes an inclusive and diverse employee community, in partnership with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Ambassadors to embody the strategic plan. Paola holds a B.S. from the University of Iowa in Human Physiology with interest in mass communication and a minor in Dance. Prior to joining the Board of Supervisors Office, Paola worked at the Coralville Community Food Pantry as the Programs and Communications Coordinator.
Dana Dominguez
Communications Manager
Dana Dominguez, a West Liberty High School graduate, earned her Media and Communications degree from the University of Northern Iowa. After traveling to various places worldwide, including living several years in Los Angeles, she returned to Iowa to begin a fulfilling career in the non-profit sector and raise a family. She's dedicated over a decade to fostering community through media and the arts, striving for inclusive marketing and design strategies in every role she’s held. In addition to serving on dozens of committees, councils, and boards, she has conducted numerous workshops at the University of Iowa and beyond, focusing on relationship-building, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and conflict-resolution strategies. Outside of work and her public service roles, she cherishes time with family and pets and loves to sing karaoke.
Krista Burich
Communications Assistant
Krista provides support and coordination for County communications efforts, including media relations, social media, and community outreach. Prior to her position as Communications Assistant for the Board of Supervisors, she worked in Elections for the Auditor's Office. Before joining Johnson County, Krista provided freelance social media and design work to businesses in Iowa City and worked as a communications specialist in the nonprofit sector in Maryland and Washington D.C.
Marc Bauer
Media Production & Technology Assistant
Marc works with the communications team on various video and media projects and assists the Board of Supervisors with their technology needs. He has a background in news videography, filming and editing stories for KCRG and KGAN in Cedar Rapids. Marc graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Cinema. Outside of work, he enjoys producing short films and writing scripts.
JJ Johnson
Media Production & Technology Specialist
JJ assists the Johnson County Communications team and Board of Supervisors with their media and technology needs. He has experience as a videographer and editor for a non-profit organization and university, as well as news writing experience. He has a B.A. in Journalism. Prior to joining Johnson County, he spent five years as a stay-at-home dad to his three kids.