Iowa West Welcomes New Members

Four Council Bluffs Residents Join Iowa West’s Volunteer Board & Advisory Committee 

Council Bluffs, IA – Iowa West recently appointed four new members to the board and advisory committee, as well as elected new officers to the Iowa West Foundation and Iowa West Racing Association boards. All are Council Bluffs residents with a history of involvement in the community. Advisory committee members utilize expertise in their field to help review and approve grant applications. Board members also review grants, as well as oversee the Foundation’s resources while ensuring the organization stays connected to the community’s needs. 

Joining the board are:

Eddie Holtz, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Iowa Western Community College For the past decade, Holtz has directed the college’s financial and operational strategy, overseeing core functions including finance, human resources, facilities, and campus security. His leadership has played a key role in strengthening the institution’s fiscal health, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. Eddie holds a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University and a master’s degree from Bellevue University. A lifelong resident of Southwest Iowa and a Council Bluffs community member for over 15 years, Eddie is deeply committed to regional development and education. He currently serves on the Saint Albert Foundation Board and the Council Bluffs Airport Authority Board. 

“As a lifelong resident of Southwest Iowa, I have seen firsthand the meaningful impact the Iowa West Foundation has on our region—supporting education, workforce development, and creating opportunities that change lives. I am truly honored to join the board and to play a part in advancing the Foundation’s mission as we continue strengthening our communities.”

Brody Swanson, partner at Peters Law Firm in Council Bluffs 
Swanson brings years of experience working with and representing members of the community in a vast array of complex legal proceedings. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Buena Vista University and a Juris Doctor degree from Drake University Law School. Since establishing his family in Council Bluffs, he has served on the board for Habitat for Humanity Council Bluffs, volunteered for Iowa Legal Aid and dedicated the majority of his time outside of work to coaching various youth sports. He looks forward to furthering the Iowa West vision of communities where families love to live and businesses thrive. 

“To say I am proud to be from Southwest Iowa would be an understatement,” Swanson said. “From growing up on a farm in an agricultural community to now living in Council Bluffs with my wife and children, I have experienced firsthand the “Iowan way” and know the importance of giving back to the community and taking care of one another. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve on a board that is committed to advancing positive initiatives that directly impact the people of Southwest Iowa. 

Nominations for board members are made by the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs City Council, the Council Bluffs and Lewis Central Community School Districts, Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors, and current board members of Iowa West.  

The Iowa West Foundation and the Iowa West Racing Association boards also elected officers. Pictured clockwise from the top left are:
IWF Chair – Tammy Pavich; IWF Vice-Chair – Travis Castle; IWRA President – Joanie Balk; IWRA Vice-President – Vergarie Sanford 

 

Joining the advisory committee are:  

Dr. Tracy Mathews, Chief Academic Officer for the Council Bluffs Community School District 
Dr. Mathews leads district wide efforts in curriculum and instruction, assessment and data, professional learning, early childhood, special education, and more. With nearly two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Mathews has held a variety of leadership roles ranging from elementary principal to Director of Preschool Programming and Chief of Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching from University of Northern Iowa, her master’s degrees from Doane University, and her doctorate in education from College of St. Mary. Dr. Mathews is also an active contributor to community initiatives, including service on the Board of Directors for Firefly, the Teacher Education Advisory Board at the College of St. Mary, and the Community Development Advisory Committee for the City of Council Bluffs.  

“My husband and I have called Southwest Iowa home for nearly 20 years, and we are proud to be raising our two children here,” Mathews said. “I am honored to join the Iowa West Foundation Advisory Committee and contribute to the continuous improvement of a community where strong schools, thriving families, and meaningful opportunities ensure this remains a great place to call home for generations to come.”

Kim Riebe, Project Manager for the City of Council Bluffs Mayor’s Office 

A lifelong Council Bluffs resident, Riebe brings both deep community roots and professional experience to her work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration, both from Northwest Missouri State University. With more than 12 years of service to the City of Council Bluffs, Riebe began her career in Procurement before moving to Project Manager. She is also the current board president of the Lewis Central Education Foundation. 

“Having witnessed the positive evolution of Council Bluffs firsthand since my childhood, I am inspired by the Iowa West Foundation’s role in our region’s progress,” Riebe said. “As a parent raising my children here, I am grateful for the expanded facilities and opportunities available to them today. I am thrilled to join the advisory committee and contribute to the vital work of making our community an even better place for future generations to call home.”