Executive Director

"West Liberty is an amazing community! Everyone that visits experiences this warm embrace of culture that is absolutely unique in our region. I am excited to work alongside everyone in the community to cultivate new economic opportunities and share the stories far and wide!"

Kenneth Brooks
​        Originally from Virginia, Ken and his wife, Katie, moved to Eastern Iowa in 2013. With extensive experience in nonprofit management, Ken has served the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley as their Director of Resource Development, and the Boy Scouts of America in several roles across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Ken Brooks' history of strong leadership, community organization, and relationship development uniquely equip him to collaborate with local resources to grow the best parts of our community and share our stories with the world.  When not working, Ken enjoys camping and hiking with his wife and two sons, volunteering as a Cub Scout leader, and traveling. 

WeLead Board Members

The mission of WeLead's Board of Directors is to stimulate economic development in the West Liberty area. Their work has helped create strong business relationships and establish a climate in which new business can flourish. As a volunteer board, each member contributes a different perspective from within the community.

Jerry Melick (President) - Liberty Communications

Jerry has served as the General Manager of Liberty Communications since 1992.  He has also served as President of the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the West Branch Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the Iowa Communications Alliance Board of Directors since 1998, and served on the Aureon Board of Directors from 2004 to 2016. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Journalism. He lives in rural West Liberty with his three children. In his spare time he enjoys landscaping, tree farming, bicycling, and off-road motorcycle racing.

Dana Nelson (Vice President) - Active Health Chiropractic

Dr. Dana Nelson is a doctor of chiropractic and has owned and operated Active Health Chiropractic & Wellness in West Liberty since 2007. She has served on the WeLead board since April 2016 and is passionate about the West Liberty community. Dana values health and wellness, traveling, and spending time with family.

Melody Russell (Secretary) - Community Representative 

Melody lived and worked in Kuwait for several years before continuing her teaching career at West Liberty Schools. She served two terms on City Council and continues to stay active in the community. 

Jeff Schebler (Treasurer) - MidWestOne

Jeff Schebler is 1st Vice President – Commercial Banking at MidWestOne Bank.  Jeff is passionate about the success and growth of small businesses aiming to help them develop into core members of the local community.  He is new to our board of directors and looks forward to committing himself to the success of WeLead.  Jeff is married and has two children – 6 and 3.

Tom Alberti - Community Volunteer, Industry Expert

Tom was the Plant Manager for West Liberty Foods' West Liberty facility until his retirement in 2022, and has resided in West Liberty since 2008.  He has served on the WeLead board since September 2018 and in his spare time he enjoys playing golf and working in his yard.

​Jason Cassady  - West Liberty State Bank

​​Jason Cassady is Market President of West Liberty State Bank and has been with the bank since 2002. Jason resides in West Liberty with his wife, Amy, and four children. Jason has been on the WeLead board since February 2018.

David Dvorak - Real Estate Developer

Dave is a farmer and real estate developer who has resided in West Liberty since 1988, and has served on the WeLead board since November 2017. Dave enjoys steak fajitas, Iowa State football, and traveling with his family. ​

​Lee Geertz - West Liberty City Manager 

Lee Geertz serves the City of West Liberty as City Manager. 

Kurt Kirchner

Kurt Kirchner serves on the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors. 

Shaun Kruger

Shaun Kruger is the Superintendent for West Liberty Schools.

Cara McFerren 

Cara serves West Liberty as a City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. 

Santos Saucedo - Bayer

Santos has 2 children and 1 beautiful granddaughter. He has lived in Muscatine all of his life, and is very active in his community. He serves on the Muscatine County Supervisor for Dist 1; as well as several other committees for the school, State, and local charities.  Santos worked at Louis Rich when he was going to college, and is currently employed at Bayer as a Project Manager. He has been employed there for about 25years total.
 “My goal is to always bring value to the table as I hope I can with WeLead.”

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