Emily Vondrak, PRESIDENT

Director of Development and Public Relations, The Gospel Mission

 

Born and raised in Sioux City, Emily is honored to be elected President of a group dedicated to seeing her hometown continually grow. After attending Bishop Heelan High School, Emily majored in Business Administration and Marketing at Briar Cliff University. Upon graduation, she moved to Boston to enroll in Hult International Business School. After receiving her masters in International Business with a concentration in sustainability and social impact, Emily worked in Boston for a few years before moving back home to Sioux City. 

She now has the privilege of working for The Gospel Mission as they strive to help the homeless here in Siouxland. In addition to SCGO, Emily is an Ambassador for the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and coaches cheerleading for the Sioux City Bandits and Akron-Westfield High School. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her fiance Corey and their rescue dog Cooper, watching sports, baking, volunteering, and eating at all of Siouxland's great local restaurants! 

Jed Vant'hof, VICE PRESIDENT

Sales Associate, Iowa Farm Bureau

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jed was raised out in the country near the village of Lester, IA and went to West Lyon High School. After graduating in 2015, he went on to attend Northwestern College In Orange City. While in college he played football and received his Bachelors Degree in Business Finance. After graduating from college in December of 2018, Jed moved to Sioux City to sell insurance for Feuchtenberger & Associates. Jed works with individuals on trying to properly protect themselves both affordably and effectively. He prides himself on being a lifelong learner and always putting his client’s needs first. While working at Feuchtenberger and Associates, a coworker told him about SCGO and the rest is history-after going to just one meeting he was sure he wanted to join! This year he joins the board as the VP. His vision is to connect with, attract, encourage, and retain professionals in the Siouxland community and to make it a better place for everyone who lives here. Some of his favorite pastimes include fishing, golfing, bowling, meeting new people, spending time with his wife Kecia, and playing with his two dogs Rocky and Lady.  

Jeremiah Back, TREASURER

Security National Bank

Bio coming soon! 

Sydney McManamy, SECRETARY

Realtor, United Real Estate Solutions

Bio Coming Soon!

Nolan Shook, Marketing

Realtor, Keller Williams Siouxland & Owner, Shook Handyman

Nolan Shook grew up in Sioux City and graduated from North High. After high school, he first received degrees from Western Iowa Tech before continuing his education at Morningside College and graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 2017. Nolan started a construction company in 2017 after owning a painting company for 4 years. He got his real estate license in 2019 and is now a real estate agent at Keller Williams. Nolan joined SCGO for the networking opportunities, to meet friends, and is happy to now organize special events for around the community! In his free time Nolan likes to compete in triathlons, do neat home renovation projects, fish, and play with his dog Pork Chop.

Brock Bourek, Community & Special Events

LAMB Arts Regional Theatre

Bio Coming Soon!

Josiah Paulsrud, CIVIC

Technical Sales Manager Representative, Apiam Solutions

A Siouxland native, Josiah was born and raised on a farm by Ida Grove.  Following High School, he moved to Sioux City to attend Western Iowa Technical College, where he received his Associates Degree of Arts and Sciences.  Hospitality has always been Josiah's passion and after various positions around Sioux City, he became a manager at Bevs On The River in August of 2012.  It was here that Josiah really began to meet and develop relationships with the business community of Siouxland.  When Bevs On The River sold, Josiah maintained his position with Crave Restaurant until June of 2018, when he accepted a position as the Sales Manager at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.  Through this position, Josiah really began to engage with the community, whether through Chamber events, sales calls, or area activities, leading him to join the Sioux City Growth Organization.  When voted to the board, the Civic committee seemed a perfect fit for what Josiah looks to bring to Sioux City! Being involved in growing the Sioux City area, developing and retaining quality business leaders, and promoting Siouxland are reasons Josiah is thrilled to be apart of Sioux City GO.  His favorite activities include spending time with his seven nieces and nephews, enjoying anything in the sun or on water, generally being the loudest person in a room, and having a Seinfeld episode apply to any conversation. 

Nic Madsen, CONNECT

Director of Property Management, NAI United

Originally from Le Mars, Iowa, Nic is a recent honors graduate from Morningside College. While earning his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration & Marketing, Nic had an active college life. He participated in Business Honors, Omicron Delta Kappa, and was a collegiate wrestler for the Mustangs. Nic was successful in the classroom, receiving an award for 2019 Outstanding Business Administration senior, and on the wrestling mat, receiving Academic All American, GPAC Team Champions, and GPAC All Conference. His commercial real estate career started in 2018 as an intern at NAI United. In April of 2019, Nic was hired on full time as the Director of Property Management and Commercial Associate. He addresses every project diligently and professionally to ensure the best results for his client. In his free time, Nic enjoys coaching wrestling and spending time with friends and family.

Kaylee Betterton, INNOVATION MARKET

Business Relationship Manager, Heritage Bank NA

 Kaylee moved to Sioux City right after high school to attend Morningside College. She really took advantage of all the opportunities Morningside had to offer.  While attending college Kaylee, was a Resident Assistant and an Admissions Student Ambassador, as well as being active in Student Government. Kaylee fell in love with Sioux City and decided to accept an offer to move from a part-time teller into a full time Personal Banker. She eventually worked her way to up to a Business Relationship Manager/Assistant Vice President at Heritage Bank. Although Kaylee loves her job, what really kept her here is her boyfriend Luke. He was her first friend on campus. They started dating right after she graduated college and have been together ever since. They have a puppy named Autumn that they adopted from Noah's Hope. One of her favorite activities is to take Autumn on car rides to Starbucks for Puppachinos.  Kaylee is also actively involved in the Junior League of Sioux City as well as the Siouxland Chamber. If you ever have questions on how to become involved in Sioux City GO, do not hesitate to reach out to Kaylee. She is always happy to help out and make a new friend!