Dr. Trent Grundmeyer
Trent is the founder of Grundmeyer Leader Search LLC. Prior to his tenure at Drake University serving as an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership he served as a high school principal at Hampton-Dumont and Indianola High School. Trent was recognized as 2013 Secondary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa organization. He was also named the 2009 Character Counts! Administrator of the Year in Iowa. He earned his doctorate degree in educational leadership at Iowa State University in 2013 and focuses much of his research around technology integration and leadership.
Trent has many connections around the state and Midwest which provides and advantages to the districts he serves through the recruiting and hiring process. Grundmeyer Leader Search continues to grow based on Trent's integrity in the search process ensuring that the leader who gets hired is truly the best fit for the job. GLS is now Grundmeyer Leader Services which has expanded the team of consultants to serve schools in leading the hiring process to onboarding new superintendents as well as leading administrative and school board retreats.
Trent has many connections around the state and Midwest which provides and advantages to the districts he serves through the recruiting and hiring process. Grundmeyer Leader Search continues to grow based on Trent's integrity in the search process ensuring that the leader who gets hired is truly the best fit for the job. GLS is now Grundmeyer Leader Services which has expanded the team of consultants to serve schools in leading the hiring process to onboarding new superintendents as well as leading administrative and school board retreats.
| trent_grundmeyer_cv.pdf |
Lynn Johnson
Lynn is the lead GLS consultant in Nebraska and helps with searches in western Iowa. Lynn is currently serving as the Interim Superintendent for Raymond-Central School District in Raymond, NE. She also recently served for two years as the Harlan Community School District Interim Superintendent for two years. Prior to that she served as the Arlington, NE District Superintendent for 10 years after serving the district as the Secondary Principal. Some of her notable accomplishments include oversight of an $8 million dollar addition/renovation project and $3 million dollar HVAC project. She also successfully helped pass a bond issue for the district. Instructionally, she implemented Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) and expanded course offerings for students.
Lynn earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration in 2007 from Wayne State College. Her Masters in Secondary Administration was issued from University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1991. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Math Education Degree from Fort Hays State University and Associate of Arts Degree from McCook Junior College.
Lynn earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration in 2007 from Wayne State College. Her Masters in Secondary Administration was issued from University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1991. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Math Education Degree from Fort Hays State University and Associate of Arts Degree from McCook Junior College.
Dr. Jim Verlengia
Jim earned his B.A. degree from the University of Northern Colorado, his M.A. degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., and his educational specialist and doctorate degrees from Drake University in Des Moines. He has served Drake as chairman of the President’s National Advisory Board, chairman of the School of Education National Advisory Board and as an adjunct professor. Jim has also received Drake’s School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.
Throughout his career, Jim has served as a teacher, principal, central office administrator and superintendent, as well as an AEA director, working with teachers, administrators and boards of education in developing, implementing and evaluating initiatives that impact student achievement. For his efforts and commitment to youth, he has received local and state recognition as a catalyst in the middle school movement and was recognized as Iowa Middle School Educator of the Year. Jim’s leadership talents have extended beyond education when he was selected to participate in Leadership Iowa, a premier issues-awareness program promoting leadership within the State.
Throughout his career, Jim has served as a teacher, principal, central office administrator and superintendent, as well as an AEA director, working with teachers, administrators and boards of education in developing, implementing and evaluating initiatives that impact student achievement. For his efforts and commitment to youth, he has received local and state recognition as a catalyst in the middle school movement and was recognized as Iowa Middle School Educator of the Year. Jim’s leadership talents have extended beyond education when he was selected to participate in Leadership Iowa, a premier issues-awareness program promoting leadership within the State.
| jim_verlengia_resume.doc |
Dr. Kevin Fiene
Dr. Fiene is a lead GLS consultant who also leads many administrative and board workshops. Kevin is the former Superintendent of Interstate 35 Community Schools. Originally from northern Illinois, Kevin came to Iowa (and never left) to do his undergraduate work at Central College in Pella, and both his masters and doctorate at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. His work experience includes 10 years as a teacher and coach at Denver Schools; six years as secondary principal at Denver; six years as high school principal at Waverly-Shell Rock School, Waverly; nine years as associate professor of education at Wartburg College, Waverly; four years as superintendent at East Sac County Schools, Lake View; and four years as superintendent at Interstate 35 Schools, Truro.
Throughout his career, Kevin’s focus has been on collaborative leadership designed to provide the best learning opportunities for students. He has also served on multiple state boards and committees.
Throughout his career, Kevin’s focus has been on collaborative leadership designed to provide the best learning opportunities for students. He has also served on multiple state boards and committees.
| kevin_fiene_resume_.doc |
Roger Wilcox
Roger Wilcox retired from Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools in June of 2016. Since then, Roger has been a lead consultant for GLS leading principal, superintendent and AEA Chief Administrator searches all over Iowa. Roger was an elementary and middle school principal at WSR for 25 years. Prior to that administrative assignment, Roger was a PK-6 principal at Dunkerton Community Schools. He taught in a variety of elementary classroom settings in Glenwood, Iowa, while obtaining his MS degree from Creighton University. During the 2016-17 school year, Roger was hired by New York City Leadership Academy as a principal “coach” working with principals at all stages of their professional career.
Roger was named the Iowa Fine Arts Administrator in 2010, Iowa Music Educator’s Administrator of the Year for the Support of the Arts in 2009, and received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in 2000. Roger has been an adjunct instructor for Viterbo University, Buena Vista University, and the University of Northern Iowa. Currently he is a consultant with Grundmeyer Leader Search and does other independent educational consulting.
Roger was named the Iowa Fine Arts Administrator in 2010, Iowa Music Educator’s Administrator of the Year for the Support of the Arts in 2009, and received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in 2000. Roger has been an adjunct instructor for Viterbo University, Buena Vista University, and the University of Northern Iowa. Currently he is a consultant with Grundmeyer Leader Search and does other independent educational consulting.
| 2021__roger_wilcox_resume.doc.pdf |
Michael Mathews
Michael L. Mathews is the lead GLS consultant on college administrator or chief information officer serves. He has been an award winning and well published chief information officer and a leader of chief information officers for over eight years. Many of Michael published and cited works can be seen at https://works.bepress.com/michael-mathews.
Michael has interviewed over 75 educational CIO’s over the past ten years for over many education organizations and colleges and universities. Michael has also managed IT staffs ranging from 25 individuals to 450 individuals. Michael’s focus is on recruiting and mentoring CIOs for education transformation. Michael has served in the roles of CIO for 15 years, Chief Innovation officer for five years and teaching and learning director for 12 years. Most recently, Michael was named to the 2017 Top 30 Innovators in Education, 2017 Global Business Transformation Leaders, and a 2018 CIO 100 Awardee.
Michael has interviewed over 75 educational CIO’s over the past ten years for over many education organizations and colleges and universities. Michael has also managed IT staffs ranging from 25 individuals to 450 individuals. Michael’s focus is on recruiting and mentoring CIOs for education transformation. Michael has served in the roles of CIO for 15 years, Chief Innovation officer for five years and teaching and learning director for 12 years. Most recently, Michael was named to the 2017 Top 30 Innovators in Education, 2017 Global Business Transformation Leaders, and a 2018 CIO 100 Awardee.
| mathews_bio_may_2017.pdf |
Jeff Corkery
Jeff Corkery retired as superintendent from the Western Dubuque Community School District in 2015. Since then he has done work for GLS and serves as an advisor. Jeff did his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Norther Iowa and his specialist degree at Drake. Jeff was a superintendent for 24 years with 9 at Western Dubuque, 13 at Tipton, and 2 as a shared superintendent at Allison Bristow and Clarksville Community Schools. Jeff also has 6 years of experience as a High School Principal and 10 years’ experience as a business teacher and coach.
Jeff was one of 3 finalists for two years in a row for Iowa Superintendent of the year. Jeff is trained in quality concepts in systematic school improvement and also in HUMANeX Ventures which focuses on discovering and developing the talents of individuals, educating and equipping leaders and managers to coach, engage and develop individuals to their potential.
Jeff was one of 3 finalists for two years in a row for Iowa Superintendent of the year. Jeff is trained in quality concepts in systematic school improvement and also in HUMANeX Ventures which focuses on discovering and developing the talents of individuals, educating and equipping leaders and managers to coach, engage and develop individuals to their potential.
| resume_jc_2015.doc |
Dr. Brian Mitchell
Dr. Brian Mitchell is a lead consultant for GLS in both Iowa and Missouri. He earned an Educational Specialist from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri in 2001 with an emphasis in the Superintendency. Dr. Mitchell earned his Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri in 2007. After six years in the classroom, Dr. Mitchell served as the Assistant Principal at Bolivar Primary School for one year and Elementary Principal for the Greenfield R-IV School District in Greenfield, MO after which, Dr. Mitchell was offered and accepted the Superintendent’s position at Fair Play R-II School District where he served for five years. In 2005, Dr. Mitchell accepted the position as Deputy Superintendent with the Independence 30 School District in Independence, MO. overseeing all day-to-day operations. After completing four years with the Independence School District, Dr. Mitchell was offered and accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Jefferson City Public Schools in Jefferson City, Missouri where he retired.
During his tenure as a district level administrator, Dr. Mitchell was recognized as the New Superintendent of the year for the Southwest MASA District in 2003 and the 2010 Missouri Association of Educational Office Professionals Administrator of the Year. Brian joined the GLS team in 2020 and is the lead consultant for leader searches in Missouri.
During his tenure as a district level administrator, Dr. Mitchell was recognized as the New Superintendent of the year for the Southwest MASA District in 2003 and the 2010 Missouri Association of Educational Office Professionals Administrator of the Year. Brian joined the GLS team in 2020 and is the lead consultant for leader searches in Missouri.
| brian_mitchell-_resume.docx |
Shane Ehresman
Shane Ehresman currently serves as Assistant Professor & Director of Distance Learning in the education division at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Prior to joining William Penn University, Shane’s work experience includes 11 years as superintendent in the Lynnville-Sully Community School District; five years as high school principal in the Washington Community School District; 10 years as high school associate principal/activities director as well as social studies teacher in the Marion Independent School District; and one year as social studies teacher in the Forreston Community School District in Forreston, Illinois. He has completed doctoral coursework in Educational Administration at Western Illinois University; earned a Specialist (Ed.S) Degree and Master's Degree (M.A.) in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa; a Master’s of Arts in Teaching Degree (M.A.T.) from Coe College; and a Bachelor of Special Studies Degree (B.S.S.) from Cornell College.
Shane was recognized by the Ray Center at Drake University for an Iowa Character Counts Award in 2021; Iowa Administrator of the Year Award by the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) in 2010, and Iowa Assistant Principal of the Year Award by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) in 2005. Shane has also served on advisory committees for the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU).
Shane was recognized by the Ray Center at Drake University for an Iowa Character Counts Award in 2021; Iowa Administrator of the Year Award by the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) in 2010, and Iowa Assistant Principal of the Year Award by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) in 2005. Shane has also served on advisory committees for the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU).
| shane_ehresman_resume_12-31-21.doc |
Terry Welker
Terry brings a wealth of human resources and public service background and knowledge to the GLS team. Terry Welker, SHRM-SCP/SPHR has 26-years in public safety as a Chief Officer, training specialist and criminal investigator prior to founding Municipal Resource Solutions in 2006. Terry graduated Summa Cum Laude at both Hampton University (B.S.) and Troy State University-Norfolk Naval Base (Masters in Human Resources). He was recruited by SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) to teach the certification preparation (SHRM-CP/SCP) program to HR professionals from all industries and across several continents. Terry also teaches Employment Law, Analytics, Statistics and other courses related to Human Resources like Compensation Design and Benefits Administration.
Terry is the founder of his own consulting company called Universal HR Solutions. For any human resources consulting or executive searches outside of education Terry is highly recommended. For more information you can visit his website at universalhr.org.
Terry is the founder of his own consulting company called Universal HR Solutions. For any human resources consulting or executive searches outside of education Terry is highly recommended. For more information you can visit his website at universalhr.org.
Shanlee McNally
Shanlee adds a unique perspective to the GLS team as a former school board member who hired multiple superintendent. She graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Political Science. .She recently completed 13 years of service on the Waterloo Schools Board of Education, the last eight of which she served as Board Chair.
During her tenure the district reached its highest ever graduation rate and built a state of the art regional career center with 18 pathways, serving eight neighboring school districts. She possesses expertise in school finance and facilities as well as Board management and development. She is an active volunteer in her community serving on multiple. boards and fundraising campaigns. She currently works for a private foundation which funds projects benefiting young people in Northeast Iowa. Shanlee brings a insightful board perspective to the search team!
During her tenure the district reached its highest ever graduation rate and built a state of the art regional career center with 18 pathways, serving eight neighboring school districts. She possesses expertise in school finance and facilities as well as Board management and development. She is an active volunteer in her community serving on multiple. boards and fundraising campaigns. She currently works for a private foundation which funds projects benefiting young people in Northeast Iowa. Shanlee brings a insightful board perspective to the search team!
Art Sathoff
Art brings a wealth of experience and networks to the GLS team. He had a successful thirty-four-year career in public education, serving four different districts in teaching, coaching, and various administrative roles. Art finished his career as the Indianola CSD superintendent from 2014-2022. He was a secondary principal for ten years and superintendent for eleven years.
Art did his undergraduate work at Wartburg College, earning a B.A. in English Education. He went on to earn an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Northern Iowa. Education Leadership work was completed at Drake University, resulting in principal licensure and an Ed.S. degree. After his postsecondary studies Art completed the licensed ministry program through the Christian Church of the Upper Midwest.
Art did his undergraduate work at Wartburg College, earning a B.A. in English Education. He went on to earn an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Northern Iowa. Education Leadership work was completed at Drake University, resulting in principal licensure and an Ed.S. degree. After his postsecondary studies Art completed the licensed ministry program through the Christian Church of the Upper Midwest.
| art_sathoff_vita_update.docx |
Amanda Bonjour
Amanda serves as the search manager for GLS and also serves schools with marketing and recruiting packages. She most recently served as Middle School Principal in Maquoketa Community Schools. Originally from Waverly, she completed her undergraduate work at Central College in Pella, her masters in Education Leadership at Viterbo, and her masters in School Library Studies at University of Northern Iowa. Her work experience includes teaching middle school literacy at Pella and Dike-New Hartford, serving as K-12 Literacy coach at D-NH, a year as elementary librarian at Cody Elementary in the Pleasant Valley School District, and four years as Middle School Principal in Maquoketa.
In addition to her passion for education, she has a deep love of capturing life’s special moments and the great things happening in schools through photography. You can often find her behind a camera lens, freezing memories to cherish and share! Amanda serves as the Search Manager for GLS, offers marketing services to schools and runs a personal photography business at https://blissfullybonjour.mypixieset.com/.
In addition to her passion for education, she has a deep love of capturing life’s special moments and the great things happening in schools through photography. You can often find her behind a camera lens, freezing memories to cherish and share! Amanda serves as the Search Manager for GLS, offers marketing services to schools and runs a personal photography business at https://blissfullybonjour.mypixieset.com/.
Gary McAndrew
Gary McAndrew has worked as a Consultant for an Executive Recruiting firm in Education since 2012. He has worked on a number of Superintendent searches throughout Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Before joining the Executive Recruiting firm, Gary was active in education by being on the Western Dubuque School Board, having served as President, and was also on the Western Dubuque Booster Club.
Gary has over 35 years of experience working in Human Resources for corporate businesses. In 2019, Gary started his own company, McAndrew Search Group. The McAndrew Search Group is an Executive Search firm that works with companies in helping them hire employees for their firms.
Gary lives in Peosta, Iowa with his wife Cheri. Gary has been active in his community. In addition to serving on the Western Dubuque School Board, he is currently on the Board of Trustees at NICC (Northeast Iowa Community College), is in the 100 Men Who Care organization, and was previously on the United Way board and Hospice Board. Gary was named Alumnus of Distinction at Western Dubuque High School, is in the Western Dubuque Athletic Hall of Fame and is also a member of the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.
Gary has over 35 years of experience working in Human Resources for corporate businesses. In 2019, Gary started his own company, McAndrew Search Group. The McAndrew Search Group is an Executive Search firm that works with companies in helping them hire employees for their firms.
Gary lives in Peosta, Iowa with his wife Cheri. Gary has been active in his community. In addition to serving on the Western Dubuque School Board, he is currently on the Board of Trustees at NICC (Northeast Iowa Community College), is in the 100 Men Who Care organization, and was previously on the United Way board and Hospice Board. Gary was named Alumnus of Distinction at Western Dubuque High School, is in the Western Dubuque Athletic Hall of Fame and is also a member of the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.
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Todd Gordon
Todd Gordon is the lead GLS consultant for activities and athletic director searches. He was an educator for 37 years serving nine different school districts. He worked in small schools, a large multi high school district and every size in between, including a stint as an administrator at a small Christian College. Todd is well-networked around the state and country with current athletic directors and stays current in the field.
Prior to his role as an athletic director, he served as a head coach for 28 years which translated to 70 total seasons as a head coach in volleyball, basketball, track, golf and baseball. He served as a full time athletic and activity administrator for 16 years in Treynor, Carlisle, Des Moines Roosevelt and recently retired from the Greene County School District in Jefferson, IA.
Todd has been married to his wife Deb for 38 years and they have three married children and five grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys reading, writing, playing the piano, smoking meat, collecting vinyl and playing golf.
Prior to his role as an athletic director, he served as a head coach for 28 years which translated to 70 total seasons as a head coach in volleyball, basketball, track, golf and baseball. He served as a full time athletic and activity administrator for 16 years in Treynor, Carlisle, Des Moines Roosevelt and recently retired from the Greene County School District in Jefferson, IA.
Todd has been married to his wife Deb for 38 years and they have three married children and five grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys reading, writing, playing the piano, smoking meat, collecting vinyl and playing golf.
| todd_a_gordon_2022_resume.docx |
Dave Versteeg
Dave is the lead GLS consultant in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Dave Versteeg recently retired after serving as superintendent of Mason City Community School District, in Mason City, IA. He has recently relocated to Custer, SD in the summer of 2022. Dave has previous superintendent experience at Montezuma, IA; principal experience at Pella, IA; Newcastle, WY and teaching and athletic director experience at Custer, SD. Dave received his Advanced Studies Certification from the University of Northern Iowa; a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana University.
Highlights from Dave’s school administrative experiences and work include designation as a Model PLC District; consultant to the Iowa Department of Education on the Iowa Teacher Performance Assessment; member of several state education task forces in Iowa, Wyoming and South Dakota.
Highlights from Dave’s school administrative experiences and work include designation as a Model PLC District; consultant to the Iowa Department of Education on the Iowa Teacher Performance Assessment; member of several state education task forces in Iowa, Wyoming and South Dakota.
Nancy Blow
Nancy is the lead consultant for school business official hires through Grundmeyer Leader Services. She retired in July of 2022 as Executive Director of the Iowa Association of School Business Officials. She served as Assistant Director from 2008 - 2017. Her background includes serving as School Business Official in the New London school district for 11 years. Nancy is well connected with SBOs across the state with knowledge of the qualifications and requirements for the SBO position.
Dr. Scott Blum
Scott Blum currently serves as the principal at Dallas Center-Grimes High School in Grimes, Iowa. Scott also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Drake University in the School of Education. Prior to his time as a high school principal, Scott served as a Dean of Students at Dallas Center-Grimes High School, and as a social studies teacher at Waukee High School in Waukee, Iowa. Scott earned his doctorate (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership and Specialist Degree (Ed.S) from Drake University. He earned his Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Bachelors of Science Degree from Iowa State University.
Amy Lane
Amy is passionate about her three amazing children, Kreyton, Carter, & Lula, their futures, and their growth as individuals. As their identities became apparent, her dedication to her son, who was diagnosed with Dyslexia at an early age ignited a desire to ensure that her own children and ALL students she connected with were in a space that focused on their strengths These aspects have been imperative to the work she facilitates with learners and educational leaders across the nation.
Amy began her career in an English Language Arts & Psychology classroom in Johnston, Iowa, transitioned to a School Improvement Administrator with Des Moines Public School District, and led Douglas County Colorado School District's academics, professional learning and leadership, and business partnerships as the Executive Director. Currently, Amy serves as a Senior Partner with Thrively, an ed-tech firm focused on staff and student agency, well-being, and strengths. These experiences, coupled with her work as a vision and learning strategist fuel her passion to further the work of educational leadership through strategic planning and quality recruitment of individuals to successfully lead forward.
Amy began her career in an English Language Arts & Psychology classroom in Johnston, Iowa, transitioned to a School Improvement Administrator with Des Moines Public School District, and led Douglas County Colorado School District's academics, professional learning and leadership, and business partnerships as the Executive Director. Currently, Amy serves as a Senior Partner with Thrively, an ed-tech firm focused on staff and student agency, well-being, and strengths. These experiences, coupled with her work as a vision and learning strategist fuel her passion to further the work of educational leadership through strategic planning and quality recruitment of individuals to successfully lead forward.
