Executive Director

“I believe that economic development and community development are symbiotic in their success. Both must be present to build a strong, vibrant and sustainable local economy. I look forward to working side by side with the community of West Liberty to achieve these goals.”

Joseph Taylor
         Joseph is a native of the Quad Cities and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Iowa and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. Joseph has spent his professional life in the private business sector for over 20 years with 10 years as a successful entrepreneur. In addition to his business and education experience, he was a member of the Board of Trustees for South Moline Township. He recently sold his company to pursue a career that allowed him to use his business experience combined with his passion for civil service to help business owners and those who want to improve their community. ​

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.

Dana Nelson (President) - Active Health Chiropractic

Dana 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.

Santos Saucedo - Muscatine County Board ​of Supervisors

Santos has 2 children, and 21 yr old son and 19 yr old daughter, 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 City Council and as a 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 23 years total.
 “My goal is to always bring value to the table as I hope I can with We Lead.”

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. 

​Jason Cassady (Treasurer) - West Liberty State Bank

​​Jason Cassady is Vice 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.

Jerry Melick (Board Member) - 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.

David Dvorak (Board Member) - 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. ​

Steve Hanson (Board Member) - Community Representative

Steve is a retired superintendent who moved to West Liberty to work for the school district in 2011, when he became a member of the WeLead board representing the school district. Following his retirement in 2017, Steve has continued serving as a community representative. He enjoys serving the community through the Chamber of Commerce, the Coalition, LULAC and Rotary.

Tom Alberti (Board Member) - West Liberty Foods

Tom is the Plant Manager for West Liberty Foods' West Liberty facility 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.

Elizabeth Hansen​ (Board Member)
West Liberty City Manager (Interim)

Bio Unavailable, Check Back Soon! 

Diego Giraldo (Board Member)
​West Liberty Schools Superintendent

Bio Unavailable, Check Back Soon!

David Smith (Board Member)
​West Liberty City Council Member 

​Bio Unavailable, Check Back Soon!