(Pottawattamie Co) The Pottwattamie County Conservation Board (PCCB) held its 2025 organizational meeting recently at the courthouse, where a new member was sworn in and officers elected.
PCCB welcomed Heidi Hough of Underwood to the board. She was appointed by the county Board of Supervisors, and sworn in by Supervisor Brian Shea. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the five-member PCCB elected its officers:
Jerry Mathiasen of Council Bluffs as President; Chris Ruhaak of Council Bluffs as Vice President; and, Brittany McGee of Council Bluffs as Secretary. In addition to Hough and the officers, the board includes Mary Kramer of Neola.
“This is a hardworking volunteer board, which helps manage our parks and preserve our natural resources,” said Jeff Franco, Pottawattamie Conservation Executive Director.
Mathiasen added that the PCCB “is looking forward to working with Heidi, and tapping into her variety of expertise, as we meet our mission and follow our vision on behalf of our county citizens and visitors.”
Hough has over 20 years of marketing experience, and is Vice President of Global Ag Dealer Enablement at Valmont Industries. She and her family have enjoyed the county parks for many years, and she has also volunteered for the conservation department.
Mathiasen, the retired President & CEO of the local community foundation, has been a board member since 2021 and has previously served as its vice president and secretary.
The mission of Pottawattamie Conservation is to provide meaningful experiences for people of all ages with the unique natural resources of Pottawattamie County through diverse and sustainable education, recreation and conservation opportunities. To learn more, visit pottconservation.com.
