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
Redfield, 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
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: Executive Director of the Western Area Water Supply Authority, a political subdivision of the State of North Dakota providing domestic and industrial water across 5,000 square miles in northwest North Dakota. Educational Background: Master of Business Administration - University of Texas at Tyler, Master of Environmental Science, Hydrology – University of Oklahoma, PhD (ABD) International Educational Leadership – University of Montana Memberships and Associations: North Dakota Water Coalition; Housing Commission- City of Williston, ND; Governor Doug Burgum's Restart Task Force; and Missouri River Joint Water Resource Board MAP Board member since February 2023