FREEDOM FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Heidi Wessels, Chair

Heidi is the Associate Director for the Neighborhood Development Corporation and Community Housing Development Corporation located in Des Moines.She has served on a number of non-profit boards including the Drake Neighborhood Association, the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus, and theAIDS Project of Central Iowa, whereshe has performed extensive fundraising on their behalf.

Jackie Norris, Vice chair

Jackie has been active in Iowa for several years motivating young people to vote and participate in the political process. During her time in Iowa, she has worked as a political activist and high school history and government teacher. Prior to teaching, she was active in local, state and national government and politics having worked in Washington D.C. for seven years on Capitol Hill, the White House and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She is also a busy mother of three children under the age of five.

Lynn Ross Cope, Secretary/ Treasurer

Lynn is a Corporate Trainer who received her Master of Science degree from Drake and her undergraduate degree from Cornell College. While an undergraduate, Lynn minored in Women’s Studies and has continued her passion for women’s rights and progressive causes, volunteering for many local, regional, and national efforts.  Currently, Lynn can be found at home with her two children.

Jim Dietz-Kilen, PAC Secretary/ Treasurer

Jim is Director of Development for the Des Moines Symphony, where he oversees fundraising efforts for both the orchestra and the five-year-old Des Moines Symphony Academy. He has been a professional fundraiser in the areas of arts and education in the Des Moines community for twenty years. He has also been active in neighborhood issues, peace and human rights efforts and community engagement for many years.

Dory Briles

Dory has worked in the areas of education, economic development, community development, and resource development. She has held senior management positions with the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines Area Community College and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation. She serves on the board of Iowans for Social and Economic Development, the ISED Corporate Board, and the Metro YMCA Board. She is also a member of the Consortium Breakfast Club and the Des Moines Rotary. With children ages 5 and 12, Dory is active with school and sports activities.

Alicia Claypool

Alicia founded the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force, and is Convener for the Iowa Immigration Education Coalition. She has been an advocate for women's rights and civil rights for30 years and currently serves as chairperson of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and on the Church Council at Plymouth UCC.

Joseph Jones

Joseph is the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Iowa Finance Authority.  Previously he served as the Senior Communications Specialist for Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson.  He is also an active Junior Achievement and Business Horizons volunteer.

Maryjo Welch

Maryjo was employed by the Iowa Legislature for 25 years, serving three Speakers of the House, one Minority Leader, and one Chief Clerk of the House as well as serving on the Caucus Staff. She organized and was first president of the Des Moines Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, was a founding member and secretary of the Fidelis Chapter of the American Business Women's Association and served on the Staff Section Board of Directors of the National Association of State Legislatures. Maryjo is currently chairman of the Clive Planning and Zoning Commission, the Treasurer of the Clive Community Foundation and is a member of the Clive Enhancement Committee.

In addition to the members of the Freedom Fund Board of Directors, the following make up the Freedom Fund PAC Steering Committee.

Colleen Armstrong

Colleen is a senior account manager for Phibro Animal Health Inc. She is an active volunteer on boards advocating for women, education and health care issues. Politically, she has been a party delegate to the state convention, a poll watcher, precinct captain and campaign volunteer.

Lori Beary

Lori is the Community Development Director for the Iowa Finance Authority. She is a past PPGI board member and formerly worked for Senator Tom Harkin, the Iowa Democratic Party and served as county chair for the Marion County Democrats. She has been actively involved with Freedom Fund since 1994.