The Community Foundation for Western Iowa (givewesterniowa.org) is pleased to announce the appointment of new board members, Dr. Jenny Barnett, Rick Killion and Janet Whitson, to its 14-member board of dedicated community members and leaders committed to improving the lives of all residents in western Iowa.
Dr. Barnett is a veteran educator and currently in her fifth year as superintendent of Harlan Community Schools in Harlan, Iowa.
Dr. Barnett is actively involved in her community, serving on boards and committees with the following initiatives: mental health, family engagement, student attendance and rural community resources.
Killion has been a member of the Council Bluffs banking community for nearly 40 years. He recently retired from his role as Market President at American National Bank and is currently working for them part-time as a Community Development Officer.
Killion has served on numerous boards and committees, including current board positions with Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Iowa PBS Foundation. He is also on the steering committee at Council Bluffs Bridges Out of Poverty, and treasurer with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculture Committee.
Whitson retired as Senior Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska in 2015 after leadership roles at Kutak Rock, ConAgra Foods and Johnson Controls.
Whitson is active in our community, serving on several boards and committees, some of which include Heartland Family Service, Greater Omaha Safety Council, Youth Emergency Services, Omaha Master Plan Advisory Committee, Great Plains Girl Scouts, Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa, United Way, and the Jennie Edmundson Foundation Board.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, we are thrilled to welcome Jenny, Rick and Janet to our Board during such a fundamental time at the Community Foundation,” said Donna Dostal, president and CEO. “As we continue to grow and expand our services throughout western Iowa, their leadership and expertise will be essential. Given their community involvement and experience, I am confident they will play an important role on the Community Foundation’s future.”