Our people
CommUnity Staff
Sarah Nelson
Chief Executive Officer
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 109
As Chief Executive Officer, Sarah is responsible for the overall management of CommUnity Crisis Services, operating under the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors. For the past 20 years, Sarah has worked in child welfare, criminal justice, crisis services, and youth services. Throughout her career, she has led many successful community-wide strategic initiatives, implemented innovative programs to address barriers for those experiencing crisis, as well as developed programs to address the root causes of poverty to help individuals and families not just survive, but thrive.
Adrianne Korbakes
Chief Operating Officer
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 878
Chief Operating Officer, Adrianne Korbakes, is responsible for the leadership and oversight of all programming at CommUnity. She strives to provide comprehensive, low barrier, nonjudgmental support to any person who is experiencing a difficult time in their life. Adrianne has over a decade of professional experience within various nonprofits, with roles ranging from direct service to leadership. Her passion is in innovative program development to help address complex societal challenges, reduce stigma, and expand access to quality care.
Away from work, Adrianne has forgone her previous hobbies of hiking, craft beer sampling, and yoga, and is now consumed with activities of those who care for young children. You can find her doing copious loads of laundry, singing Baby Shark, and sneaking naps whenever possible.
Drew Martel, LISW
Chief Clinical Officer
For the last decade, Drew has been at the forefront of crisis services program development, and suicide prevention efforts in Iowa. He co-created the first co-responder program in the state, and developed an innovative mobile crisis outreach model now used statewide by numerous crisis services organizations. Drew is an advocate for evidence-based practices, and deep expertise in supporting individuals with suicide ideation and behaviors.
A military veteran, Drew was born and raised in Cedar Rapids and lives there with his wife, Anna, daughters, Madeline and River, and son, Ellis. He has a therapy practice at Meadowlark Psychiatric in North Liberty, is a contractor with the American Association of Suicidology as a site surveyor and trainer.
Jennifer Steines, MHA, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 1147
As Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer is responsible for the oversight of CommUnity Crisis Services’ finances, which includes management and understanding of all revenue sources and expenses. She is also tasked with financial reporting to the Board of Directors, funding sources, and regulatory agencies. Her search for an inclusive and mission-driven organization and community with educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities, led Jennifer to CommUnity Crisis Services and back to Iowa City. Jennifer is from eastern Iowa and graduated from The University of Iowa with an accounting degree and The University of Cincinnati with a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She is also a licensed certified public accountant in The State of Iowa. She has held different accounting and finance roles during her career, with the last ten years as a Chief Financial Officer. She has also worked in several industries, including public accounting, financial services, and both nonprofit and for-profit healthcare organizations. She has led and served on several non-profit boards and has volunteered for many organizations in eastern Iowa. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending sporting and live music events, reading, walking, and being outside in the sunshine.
Angie Meiers
Finance Director
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 107
Angie is responsible for everything related to the operations of CommUnity. Bookkeeping and financial reports, purchasing, building maintenance, staff benefits and payroll (our favorite!) are just a few of her many areas of expertise. Angie joined CommUnity Crisis Services in September 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from St. Ambrose University and is a native of Durant, Iowa.
Julia Winter
Director of Development
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 105
Julia joined CommUnity’s staff in 2017. As the Director of Development, Julia is currently responsible for fundraising strategy and implementation. She believes deeply in the roots of philanthropy and is inspired by CommUnity’s supporters. Julia is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and certificates in Fundraising and Philanthropy Communications and Event Planning.
Sara Barth
Director of Supportive Services
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 877
Sara received her BA in Geography and Social Change from the University of Iowa in 2003. She has worked and volunteered for several non-profits in the Iowa City area. Sara has worked at CommUnity Crisis Center and The Housing Fellowship. Sara served as an AmeriCorps member at the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. Sara has volunteered at numerous nonprofits including Summer of the Arts, Four Oaks, Home Ties Daycare, Salvation Army, and she has led the charge for several local fundraisers. Sara has planned and organized a wide range of successful events as a professional and volunteer. During her free time, Sara enjoys photography, traveling, live music and above all spending time with her family.
Ryan Dickson
Crisis Helpline Director
- (319) 351-2726 ext. 818
Ryan started with CommUnity as a volunteer in 2018. He has a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Music Education. Ryan handles data related projects, develops and administers training for new volunteers and staff, trains ASIST, and handles some IT. He also presented research on the effect of Developmental Helping Model skills on client mood at the 2019 American Association of Suicidology Conference in Denver.
Board of Directors
The role of our Board of Directors is to provide guidance and strategic oversight to management. Directors may serve two consecutive three-year terms and appointments follow our fiscal year, July to June.
Patti Walden
Board Chair
Broderick Binns
Vice Chair
GreenState Credit Union, North Liberty
Phil Peterson
Treasurer
CommUnity Volunteer, Iowa City
Phillip Bettis
TIAA Financial Services, Iowa City
Dan Feltes
Advocacy Committee Chair
Iowa Legal Aid
Michael Fletcher
University of Iowa
Alec Kestel
Coronda Lee
Tatiana Lowell-Campbell
Iowa Legal Aid
Nick Mirabito
Greg Vrchoticky
Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank, Iowa City
Lorraine Gaynor
Marla Rosenblum
Leslie Schnoll Fitzpatrick
Bland & McCune Real Estate
Jeff Wagner
Committe Members
Advocacy
Michael Fletcher
Tatiana Lowell-Campbell
Development
Patti Walden
Finance
Phillip Bettis
Alec Kestel
Governance
Broderick Binns
CommUnity Board Members
CommUnity Crisis Services has an active and committed board of directors whose role is to define the organization’s mission and govern the realization of that mission. The Board meets nine times a year to determine policies and procedures, review financial health, and monitor progress toward the achievement of strategic objectives. Board terms are 3 years each with option for renewal (two full terms maximum).
Expectations of Board Members
- Serve actively for the duration of your term
- Attend and participate in board meetings (live or via Web meeting)
- Serve on a committee and support that committee’s efforts for the organization
- Support development/fundraising efforts
- Serve as a positive representative of the organization
For more information or if you have questions, contact Sarah Nelson, our Executive Director, at (319) 351-2726 or via email at sarah.nelson@builtbycommunity.org.
Committee Members-At-Large
The Board of Directors is seeking community volunteers to serve on these committees. Committees meet once a month and a one-year commitment is preferred. Committee volunteers may be recommended for service as a board director in the future.
We want thoughtful, motivated people willing to:
- Share the benefit of their life experiences
- Collaborate with a wide variety of people and organizations
- Help make good decisions
- Plan for whatever the future might hold
To Apply
Review committee member’s responsibilities, download the Candidate Application PDF and email to sarah.nelson@builtbycommunity.org, or mail to:
CommUnity
ATTN: Sarah Nelson
1121 Gilbert Court
Iowa City IA 52240-4528
Board Committee Descriptions
Advocacy Committee
The Advocacy Committee works to generate grassroots support for issues that impact CommUnity and the individuals that it serves.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee monitors the short-term and long-term financial health of CommUnity to ensure adequate funding for its mission.
Development Committee
The Development Committee monitors and provides recommendations to ensure appropriate visibility/awareness and financial support for the organization.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee oversees board and committee operations and effectiveness, including the development or revision of agency policies.
Policy Sub-Committee
The Policy sub-committee ensures that the organization’s policies are reviewed and updated as needed.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee includes the elected Board officers and an additional Board member and is responsible for coordinating board activities, operations, and meetings.