Board of Parole, State of Iowa

·   Review and interview inmates for parole or work release.

·   Research new parole and work release programs being instituted or considered nationwide and determine which programs may be useful to Iowa.

·   Review the current parole and work release programs and procedures used in Iowa on an annual basis.

·   Conduct such studies of the parole and work release system at the request of the governor and general assembly.

·   Review and make recommendations to the governor regarding all applications for reprieve, pardon, commutation of sentence, remission of a fine or forfeiture, and restoration of citizenship rights.

Executive Director, State of Iowa Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

·   Developed budget, tracking, and management systems to achieve membership, programming, and advocacy goals.

·   Guided board into creation of a workable strategic plan to implement statewide initiatives.

·   Provided monthly reports to state board and National PTA ensuring compliance with standards of affiliation.

·   Established clear and concise communication, coordination and collaboration between state units, board of managers, Department of Education, local/state/congressional legislative bodies, policy makers, and statewide school district leadership.

Owner, Weinacht Consulting Group

·   Assisting business and nonprofit entities in the areas of strategic planning, project management, negotiation, and finance/fundraising.

EDUCATION

Executive Certificate in Public Leadership | Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, MA

Bachelor of Science in Education | Type 03 Teaching Certification | Eastern Illinois University

Associate of Science Degree | Lake Land College, IL

Creating Public Value | Harvard University, MA

Leadership for the 21st Century | Harvard University, MA

Moral Leadership in an Imperfect World | Harvard University, MA

Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing & Public Speaking Certificate | Harvard University, MA

Budgeting for Public Policy Makers, Empathetic & Active Listening, Ethical Leader | National League of Cities, Washington, D.C.

Citizen Fire Academy | City of Cedar Rapids

Citizen Police Academy | City of Cedar Rapids

Leadership Iowa | Association of Business & Industry

Community Leadership Certificate | Chamber of Commerce

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION

Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI)

POLICY APPOINTMENT

United States Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), IA Advisory Committee, Washington, D.C.

At-Large Council Member / Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Cedar Rapids

·   Approve budget; determine tax rate; establish policy; determine city’s goals, major projects, and infrastructure improvements.

·   Policy championed and passed unanimously by Council:

*Synthetic Drug Ordinance to get ahead of the ever-changing formulas.

*‘Heads-in-beds’ financing for regional project estimated to deliver an annual economic impact of $20 million.

*Amendments to city zoning, lowering minimum square footage requirements for tiny homes.

·   Advocated for:

*Human Trafficking and Massage Therapy Business Licensing to place a spotlight on prevention and elimination.

*Affordable Housing to support children and families stability, as well as bolster economic growth.

·   Researched, created, and implemented three pillars of Youth Services: Education, Employment and Engagement creating collective impact through collaboration with partners such as the Department of Justice, Iowa Works, colleges, school districts, and others.

Council Committees

·   Chair, Public Safety and Youth Services

·   Member, Community Development

·   Member, Finance

·   Member, Flood Control System

Outside Appointments / Liaison

·   Chair, Linn County/Cedar Rapids Solid Waste Agency

·   Chief Elected Official, Region 10 Workforce Development Board

·   Board Member, Area Ambulance Service

·   Policy Board Member, Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization

·   Member, Linn County Community Empowerment Governance Board

·   Member, Linn County Early Childhood Iowa

·   Liaison, Civil Rights Commission

·   Liaison, Parks, Waterways & Recreation Commission

·   Liaison, Resident Advisory Board

·   Liaison, Safe, Equitable, Thriving Community Task Force

Additional Service: National League of Cities: Public Safety & Crime Prevention Committee, Race Equity & Leadership Council. Iowa League of Cities: Legislative Policy and Education Committees. Iowa Advisory Council on Automated Transportation Committee.

AWARDS & HONORS

Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award | State of Iowa Department of Human Rights

Everyday Hero | The Gazette

Woman of Achievement in Service to the Community Honoree | Waypoint Services

Bronze Certification | Iowa League of Cities

Certified Elected Municipal Official | National League of Cities, Washington, D.C.

Community Award – Most Impactful Public Servant | Iowa BIG

Outstanding Marketing | Junior League of Cedar Rapids

Outstanding League Member | Junior League of Cedar Rapids

Cops & Kids Recognition of Support | The Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS

Board of Parole, State of Iowa

Regional Workforce Development Board, Elected Vice-Chair, State of Iowa

Long-Term Recovery Planning Task Force for Iowa (2008 Flood Recovery), State of Iowa

JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT

Sixth Judicial Department of Corrections Board/Elected Executive Committee, Linn County