The Center’s Beating Heart
The team behind the scenes
Tracy Bennett
Executive Director
Tracy refers to herself as the Center’s “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer.” She finds herself in all types of jobs daily from welcoming the over 35,000 visitors annually to the Center to doing the last-minute laundry, to working on grants that support the Center’s operations to the next fiscal year. Stop by and visit her: she will always have a smile waiting for you!
Kristine Bornholtz
Lori Tagg Snow
Development Director
Lori’s background is in sales, marketing, grant writing and building partnerships. This experience serves the Center well with businesses/guests and asking for sponsorships to sustain our existence. And she adapts to any situation required. We hope to build some relationships that will help the Center thrive long-term.
Joe Hlas
Facility Manager
Joe has been a farmer for 35 years. And since 2021, he’s also responsible for the daily maintenance and upkeep of the Center and its campus. He finds joy in discovering how things work and repairing them wherever he can He is motivated by a desire to keep the Center looking fresh and new.
Theresa Jackson
Administrative Assistant
Theresa was an English Instructor at Western Iowa Tech Community College for close to 30 years and came to work at the Center after taking early retirement. Theresa produces year-round programs and activities and manages community outreach. She primarily an assistant to the Executive Director in all Center operations but assists all the staff with various projects.
