Board Members
Tim Waddell
Chair (member since 2017)
Former Division Administrator, Iowa Economic Development Authority
Tim has served in various capacities in state government working with many programs including CDBG, LIHTC, NSP, Workforce housing tax credits, state historic tax credits and many others.
Term ends 2025
John Brown
Vice-Chair (member since 2017)
Former Attorney, John Deere Financial
John was an attorney with John Deere Financial for many years and brings legal expertise to the table for the board to rely on. John is also an amateur historian with an interest in all things historic. He also recently served as the President of the Iowa State Historical Society and remains on that board as a member.
Term ends 2024
Ann Schmid
Director (member since 2017)
Ann has a MFA in Historic Preservation and brings a wide range of experience including work in historic preservation for FEMA as well as IEDA. Ann is well versed in the requirements of preserving a building of this historic stature.
Term ends 2025
Derek Lord
Director (member since 2017)
Economic Development Director, city of Ankeny
Derek has experience in both city and state economic and community development programs. He understands how to layer financing and how to structure development deals from both the development side and the program side.
Term ends 2024
Pat Meiners
Secretary (member since 2017)
Volunteer activist, Member Des Moines Historical Society
Pat is known to the Des Moines media as the “go to” person for all things historic in the city of Des Moines. Pat has made it her life’s work to research and understand the history of Des Moines.
Term ends 2025
Jeff Geerts
Director (member since 2017)
Project Manager, Iowa Economic Development Authority
Jeff is the project manager for IEDA that focuses on the sustainability of our projects. He wrote and manages the “Green Streets” criteria for all projects utilizing IEDA funding. Jeff is also talented at bringing people and programs together.
Term ends 2025
Connie Boesen
Director (member since 2019)
Member of the Des Moines City Council
Connie was elected to the Des Moines city council in 2018 and was previously a long-time member of the Des Moines Community School Board. Connie is a business owner and community activist.
Term ends 2025
Al Tokheim
Treasurer (member since 2017)
Al is a retired John Deere Manager with both IT and financial backgrounds. He actively serves within multiple non-profit organizations bringing technology and financial insights where needed. As a long-term Johnston resident, he is committed to helping preserve community values and iconic structures that make Des Moines such a great place to live and raise a family
Term ends 2025
Tim Hielkema
Director (member since 2017)
Architect
Tim has been a practicing architect for many years in the Des Moines metro. He is an avid historic preservationist and brings his knowledge and expertise to the board.
Term ends 2024
Connor Delaney
Director (member since 2023)
Born and raised in Des Moines, Conner is a Rosevelt High School graduate. After some years serving in the Air Force. Conor began restoring homes and buildings around Des Moines. He had since become more involved in renovating and retaining historic commercial properties. Some of the properties he owns include the Ingersoll Theater, French Way Cleaners and the Wherry Building on the 6th. Conor enjoys the redevelopment process. He enjoys working with the former owners of buildings, his development team, and enjoys developing tenant relationships.
Term ends 2024
Tim Rypma
Director (member since 2017)
President, Rypma Properties
Tim is also a developer in the Des Moines area and has an interest in redeveloping historic properties. He has rehabilitated many of the most historic buildings in the East Village and was instrumental in creating an historic district in the Market District Neighborhood of the East Village.
Term ends 2024