The RC&D is pleased to announce the addition of three new employees to the RC&D team. Hans Larson, Halina Pyzdrowski and Morgan Thias all joined the RC&D staff starting January 4th! These three have already proven to be eager learners, willing helpers, and friendly faces.
Hans Larson, a native of Stillwater, Minnesota and recent graduate of Luther College was hired as the Natural Resource Analyst and Marketing Tech. Hans will be assisting the RC&D with NRCS wetland easement monitoring and assisting with marketing and design projects. For the past few weeks, Hans has been assisting on the Multicropping Iowa project developing branding guidelines, creating a logo, and making an infographic for use on social media.
Halina Pyzdrowski, also a Luther graduate, was hired as the Community Development and Sustainability Specialist. Halina will be working with communities around the region to help them identify needs within the community that qualify for assistance through the rural development program. She will help these communities complete inventories, prioritize projects, develop funding plans, and submit applications to fund their identified projects. Halina will also be the lead researcher for the recently acquired contract to develop a Driftless Area Plan. THe Driftless Area Resiliency Plan will explore flood and landscape resilience throughout the 4-state Driftless Area. Halina also assisted with developing community outreach materials for the City of Quasqueton Flood Resiliency Project.
Morgan Thias, is the RC&D’s new Communications and Outreach Specialist. Morgan previously worked in communications for Upper Iowa University. Her work for the RC&D will tap into her expertise to enhance project communications and social media. Morgan is also passionate about supporting local communities and businesses and will be able to pursue these opportunities through assistance to the Scenic Byways Program. Morgan has already taken charge of social media for all four of the RC&D’s scenic byways, coordinated the launch of the passport program and is currently exploring options for a byways podcast!