MAP is governed by a board of directors, whose terms are staggered to ensure experience and knowledge of MAP is maintained indefinitely. The directors represent a cross-section of backgrounds and bring a variety of strengths to the board. Concerned primarily with policy, the board helps determine the organization's strategic direction and supports its work by advocating for specific legislation with state and federal policymakers.
Omaha, NE Current position: Emeritus Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture and Extension Soil Scientist - Crop Nutrition for the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Awards: Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement, Soil Science Society of America Fellow, and Agronomy Society of America Fellow. Memberships and Associations: Soil and Water Conservation Society, American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and CFRA Advisor. Educational background: PhD in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln MAP Board member since July 2019
Craig Barsness - Vice Chair
Cody, WY Current position: Manager of Shoshone Municipal Pipeline (SMP) a regional water system serving just over 28,000 municipal and rural customers in the Northern Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. Craig has 42 years of experience in mainly water treatment, transmission, and distribution of potable water. He has over 30 years of supervisory and management experience and has set up short and long-term construction and expense plans, administered construction projects, and developed budgets. Memberships and Associations: 30 year member of the American Water Works Association, 27 year voting member and strong supporter of the Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems Educational background: AAS degree in Water/Wastewater Technology from Red Rocks Community College in Golden, Colorado MAP Board member since February 2021
Chris Thompson
Lebanon, MO Current position: President and CEO of West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (2014-present); President and CEO of West Central Community Development Corporation (2017-present) Previous positions: Associate Director - Clarkston Development Foundation (2012-2014); Interim National program Manager - Together for Hope (2011-2012); Coordinator and Facilitator - Together for Hope - West (2010-2011); Founder and Co-Director - Warm Embrace, Inc. (2003-2009); Founding Member, Thompson & James law firm (2004-2012) Community Involvement: Missouri Community Action Directors Association, Missouri Community Action Networks, Full Employment Council, Workforce Development Board of Western Missouri, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's Together For Hope, Students in Free Enterprise Educational Background: LL.M., Dispute Resolution, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law; University of Missouri Community Development Academy; J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia; B.S. Business Administration, University of Missouri-Columbia. MAP board member since July 2018
Margot Gillette
Doland, SD Current position: Executive Director Beadle and Spink Enterprise Community (BASEC) (2012 – present) Previous positions: Economic Manager/Executive Director – Aberdeen Downtown Association (2006 – 2012); Social Studies Teacher – Doland Public School (2005-2006); Chair of Criminal Justice/Interim Chair of Business – Si Tanka University (2001-2005); Professor – Huron University (1999-2001); Attorney – Gillette Battey & Gillette (1997-1999) Community Involvement: Community Memorial Board of Directors; South Dakota Bar Association; Doland Housing and Development; Iroquois Housing; Tulare Economic Development Frankfort Housing and Development; Empower Redfield; Quester International. Educational background: Juris Doctor, 1992, University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder Colorado; BA, 1989, History/English w/minor Political Science, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD MAP Board member since May 2018
Kelley Deutmeyer
Dubuque, IA Current position: Executive Director of East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), an organization committed to working with member governments and their citizens to provide clean water and sanitary sewer services in their region. ECIA is also actively involved in all areas of the community, economic development, and group or one-on-one trainings in their region. Kelley has 20 years of experience in the areas of housing, transportation planning, community and economic development, and general management. She is responsible for the strategic direction of the agency, developing and managing the organization's various non-profit entities, developing and managing staff, providing oversight to all programs and services provided by ECIA, evaluating programs and their effectiveness, managing budgets, maintaining relationships with federal, state and local leaders and legislators, and developing overall agency policies and procedures. She has over 35 years of experience in grant writing, program administration and management, personnel management, fiscal management and budgeting as well as being a liaison with federal and state agencies. Memberships and Associations: National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), Professional Developers of Iowa, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Board of Directors, member of the Iowa Council of Governments Board of Directors, and President of East Central Development Corporation. Educational background: Master's Degree in Technology in Education and Double Major in Computer Science and Business Administration both from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. Public Housing Management Certification from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MAP Board member since February 2021
Joan Macik
Pequot Lake, MN Previous Position: Executive/Human Resources Director for Kandi Works Development Achievement Center Kandiyohi, MN directing all aspects of the non profit organization overseeing human resources, finance, administration, grant writing, staff training and development. Joan has more than 25 years of experience providing strong leadership and strategic direction for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She has excellent HR administration capabilities combined with proven success launching fundraising campaigns and initiating community development activities. Joan has demonstrated the ability to align organizational initiatives to meet business goals combined with extensive knowledge of employment law and sophisticated presentation style. Educational Background: Business & Human Resources Management Kaplan University, Human Resources Management Southwest Minnesota State University, State of Minnesota Licensed Realtor, Willmar Community College (2 years), Building Sustainable Funding for your Mission, Leadership Development, Executive Director Training, grant funded Programs Human Resources Issues, Women in Leadership (Agents of Vision, Community, and Change), Creating your Vision Planning for Results, and Grant Proposal Writing Training Memberships and Associations: Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation, Minnesota Community Action Association, National Community Action Foundation, Coalition for the Homeless, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Area Multi-Cultural Business Market, West Central Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Society of Human Resource Management MAP Board member since November 2021
Nathan Copeland
Ness City, KS Current Position: Nathan is a Certified General Appraiser for High Plains Farm Credit and also part-owner and operator of a family farm in Ness County. He has served on the Extension Council, numerous church boards, Executive Director in the Ness County Amusement Company Association, Old Settlers Committee, KSFMRA board member, and has aided in other community events. Nathan has also worked as a teacher, coach, activity director, and recreation director. Educational Background: Nathan graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Education. Memberships and Associations: American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers. MAP Board member since April 2022
Craig Pozega
Helena, MT Current Position: Craig has 28 years of engineering experience which has been focused on providing community solutions for water and wastewater infrastructure. Craig’s responsibilities have included many engineering roles, including project management, design, construction management, construction inspection, regulatory and permit negotiation, grant writing, grant administration, analysis, reports, land acquisition, and environmental assessments. This experience has established Craig as a leader in the water and wastewater industry and his expertise and experience has significantly benefited his clients. Educational Background: Craig graduated from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology with a B.S. in Engineering Science Memberships and Associations: Montana Water & Environment Federation and American Council of Engineering Companies Director MAP Board member since November 2022
Tami Madsen
Williston, ND Current Position: Tami has 5 years of Water Supply Management experience with Western Area Water Supply Authority. She has an established relationship with the NDIC, ND Water Users Association, WAWSA Staff members, as well as WAWSA Board members. Tami has had great success working as the face of a highly visible public water utility with a well-built reputation for accuracy. Educational Background: Her Master of Business Administration along with her extensive experience in project management has made her an excellent asset to Midwest Assistance Program. Memberships and Associations: Miles City Leadership, Funding and Strategy Commitee of North Dakota, North Dakota Water Coalition, Housing Commitee City of Williston, Govenor Doug Burgum's Restart Task Force, and Missouri River Joint Water Resource Board MAP Board member since February 2023