About the Urbandale Chamber

Jeremiah has a talent for technology and an entrepreneurial spirit, Jeremiah founded Webspec Design in the fall of 2000. He is passionate about digital marketing and working with clients to see their goals achieved.

Jeremiah focuses his energies on managing upcoming website projects, interacting with clients, and programming. He graduated from Evangel University with degrees in Accounting and Political Science. When not working, he and his wife enjoy doing activities with their four children.

Jason grew up in LeMars, IA and attended the University of Iowa, receiving a degree in Communications, and Iowa State University, where he received a degree in meteorology. He has worked at WHO-TV, KCCI-TV, and KCWI-TV forecasting and covering Iowa’s ever-changing weather. Jason joined Compass Financial Services as a Sales Assistant in Oct. of 2016. He lives in Urbandale with his wife Kelly and sons Nolen, Maddox, and Hudson and their trusty dog, Radar. 

Ben has 7 years of experience in public accounting. He currently serves as an Assurance Manager for TDT CPAs & Advisors specializing in audits of non-profits, governmental entities as well as employee benefit plans. Outside of work Ben enjoys golfing, cheering on the Chiefs and the Cyclones, and spending time with his family. Ben and his wife live in Waukee with their daughter Baylor.

Eric Williams, CFP® is a financial planner and part owner at AO Wealth Advisory. Through his own family’s journey of paying off debt, Eric discovered a passion for helping families set goals, make financial plans and create healthy money habits. He is the author of “It’s Your Money” and also serves on the Midland Credit Union board of directors.

Raised in Belmond, Iowa, Eric started his collegiate education at North Iowa Area Community College and graduated from Simpson College with a degree in business management. Eric worked in transportation and marketing before finding his career in financial planning, joining AO Wealth Advisory in 2015.

Outside of work he enjoys biking and spending time with his wife and two children

With more than 20 years’ experience working in construction and electrical distribution, Rob Olney understands the importance of progress and has contributed to the success of countless commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.

He currently leads Van Meter Inc.’s contractor business as Vice President of Sales. Van Meter is an award-winning workplace with more than 800 employee-owners serving the electrical and automation needs of customers in 25 locations across the country—including Des Moines and Urbandale.

Rob considers it an honor and responsibility to give back to the communities where he works and lives. He has served on the American Lung Association Local Leadership Board since 2018 and is a past board member for the Urbandale Food Pantry.

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Rob is a proud Iowan and Hawkeye. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Business in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Communications. Following graduation, Rob spent the next 13 years expanding his skills as a leader and business strategist while working in various roles and cities throughout the Midwest. In 2011, he was thrilled to join the Van Meter team and Urbandale community, where he continues to make an impact personally and professionally.

Rob and his wife, Wendi, have two children – Carly and Luke. The Olney family is passionate about sports, loves spending time outdoors, and appreciates the quality of life found in central Iowa.

I’ve been a Head Hunter since 2015 and love it! Previous to that, I have 25+ years of Human Resources management experience, with Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. My full range of HR knowledge, coupled with a multitude of business and professional connections, ensures my success in identifying top talent to meet my client’s needs. Here at Career Search Associates, we help businesses fill full time positions ranging from the front desk to the CEO. We specialize in Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Human Resources, Project Management, Call Center Management and Retail Store Management. We are respected recruiters who also help the passive candidate that wants to explore opportunities in a confidential manner.

Renee has more than 25 years of experience working in the insurance industry with a focus on employee benefits and customer service.  She spent many years working for a local insurance broker and joined the carrier side in 2018.  She is now the Director of Operations for Delta Dental of Iowa. As a highly organized, motivated, and positive individual, Renee thrives on process improvements, collaborating with and leading others.

Raised in central Iowa, Renee is a proud graduate of Dowling Catholic High School.  She attended Iowa State University and earned a degree in Communications, with minors in History and Sociology.   Renee is also a 2010 graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and has previously served on the St. Pius X School Board.

Renee lives in Johnston with her husband Dave and three kids, Tyler, Josh, and Libby. Outside of work, Renee can be found spending time on her container garden and with her perfect dog Frankie and her crazy dog Lulu.  Come February, she’ll be following and cheering on the Chicago Cubs because for Renee, “baseball is life.”

A New Look Exteriors is an exterior remodeling company.  Specializing in Roofing, Windows, Siding, Gutters, Soffit & Fascia and Concrete work.

We bring many years of experience paired with a drive to make our customers experience a great one.  

We are here to give clients the best customer experience when choosing to remodel their homes.  We do this by:

• Choosing the best materials
• Choosing the best installers
• Continuously pursuing certifications and training to be the best in our field
• Relentlessly pursuing our customers experience 

Katie has over 15 years of experience working in community banking; she started as a part-time teller, and then enjoyed numerous positions in retail and mortgage banking before joining Iowa Banker’s Mortgage Corporation. In her role as Training and Development Representative, Katie helps mortgage loan staff at their member banks become successful, well-rounded lenders. Katie has a passion for helping people achieve success. 

Katie also serves as the Chair for the City of Urbandale Board of Adjusters and thoroughly enjoys serving the community in which she lives. 

Raised in Iowa City, Iowa, Katie is a proud Hawkeye. She attended the University of Iowa where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance, a minor in Spanish and an international business certificate. Outside of work, Katie enjoys traveling, attending live music events and spending time with family and friends. Katie lives in Urbandale with her husband, Josh, her two sons J.R. and Sawyer, and her two geriatric dogs, Molly and Zoey.

Gina is a small town Iowa girl. Proud of her roots, she was born and raised on a farm. Her work ethic stems from the life her parents instilled in her and her 5 siblings. She was raised with strong Christian values and the belief she could accomplish anything if she put her mind to it. 

Gina has spent the majority of her professional career in hospitality and working in the community. It was in this industry she found her passion for management, leadership and most of all, working with people! This simple position led her into development with multiple well-known brands.

In her free time, Gina is family focused. Family time is spent with her husband, Bobby and daughter, Shae. They enjoy time on the deck, grilling and entertaining. 

Mary has had careers in banking, was Executive Assistant to the President of USG Annuity & Life Company, a Fundraiser & Events Director at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, & employed for 11-years at the Partnership. 
Mary is a member & is active in a number of organizations. She is past president & member of LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)-Amateurs of DM, current President of the Willow Creek Tuesday Morning Ladies Golf League, past president & current member of PEO Chapter KD of Des Moines, & current member of the Urban Heights Covenant Church among various other organizations.
 
Mary married Pat Knueven in 1980. Their son (Jason) and daughter-in-law (Becky) live in Gardner, Kansas, with their 2 boys, Cael & Cameron. She loves to play golf, travel, & spend time with her two grandsons.

I was born and raised in Hawkeye country- Iowa City! Go Hawks! While attending the University of Iowa, I was involved in many student organizations, where my passion for event coordinating began. After 5 years primarily in the wedding industry, I was ready to take on a different and new avenue of events, leading me to the Chamber world! I am dedicated to bringing impactful event opportunities to life for our community’s professionals. 
When I’m not running around Urbandale, you might find me trying to keep my flower garden alive, in the kitchen cooking an extravagant meal, boating at the lake with my family, or at a country concert. A few of my favorite things include iced coffee, any form of pasta, cats, Kenny Chesney, and gnomes (solely because they’re cute).

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an Elementary Education degree and spent many of my college years involved in my sorority and volunteering at schools. The past few years, I have been teaching middle school math in Des Moines. I cannot be happier to join the Chamber and pursue my passion of event planning.

While I am not at the chamber, I attempt many DIY projects around my house, take my dog to the park and spend the majority of my time brewery hopping around Des Moines with my friends and family!