MIDWEST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - Key Persons
Bill joined the team at Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. in 2022 as a Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider. Bill has over thirty-two years of experience in projects involving the design and construction of general municipal improvements, wastewater treatment facilities, water transmission pipelines, water storage reservoirs, street reconstruction, storm drainage, landscaping, and municipal building projects. He began his engineering career as a field engineer, then became a hydrologist with the State of Kansas, followed by four years as the Assistant City Engineer for a larger community in Southwest Kansas. He became Assistant City Engineer for a larger community in Northeast Wyoming for two years, followed by fourteen years as Public Works Director/City Engineer in the same community.
In 2003, Bill began general civil consulting, initially on his own, followed by nine years with regional and national engineering firms. He was responsible for developing designs, plans, and specifications for a broad range of civil engineering projects. Bill also maintained active involvement in the construction administration of these projects. He has experience with grant/loan applications and administration with all agencies. Many of Bill's clients were small communities' water and wastewater systems and districts with water systems. His background includes general municipal engineering and public works management, including legal, budgeting, capital programming, and operations. He has extensive experience with budgeting, HR and Safety, public relations, collaborative project development and general office management. Bill's non-engineering experience includes electronics (US Navy), construction, municipal and regional planning, coal mining, and oil field.
Bill is client focused and desires to use his expertise and the expertise available from his co-workers to improve the quality of life in small rural communities. Bill is a Wyoming native, having lived most of his life in the state, and is married with seven grandchildren. His passion is riding his motorcycle as often as possible.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- Inc. in 2022 As a Project Manager
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Casey Burrus joined Midwest Assistance Program, inc. in 2022 as a Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider for the state of South Dakota. Casey brings with her fourteen years of experience working in county government in the County Equalization Office as a Certified Assessor Appraiser in both the Staff Appraiser and Director positions. In this position, she was responsible for assessing all real property within the county and basing property values on comparable sales, replacement costs, and/or income. She was also responsible for educating the public on the assessment process and how it affects the property owner.
Casey also filled the role of County Planning and Zoning Administrator for 8 years. As such, she was responsible for approving building permits or preparing the building permit application for public hearings. She maintained all county ordinances and worked with state departments and county commissioners to ensure all rules were followed for building permit applications.
Casey is also an active member in her community and has helped Burke Business Development write and obtain grants to provide websites for businesses, as well as sat on the board for Burke Business Development to help businesses obtain funding and support. She was one of the founding board members for the Burke Daycare and is currently the sec/treas of the daycare. While employed by the county, she obtained a grant to build the Gregory County website.
Casey is active with South Dakota Specialty Producers and is on the Executive Team as the Secretary. The organization promotes local foods and specialty crops and educates potential producers on how to succeed in the specialty crop market. Casey has written block grant applications to help fund the organization's goals. Casey is also a Bush Foundation Change Network Member and has worked to obtain grants to help fund art and community projects within Gregory County. This undertaking has included musical events, speakers, and bringing in an artist to work with locals in the community to create an art installation.
Casey loves rural living and believes there is nothing but opportunity in rural America.
Current position: President and CEO of West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (2014-present); President and CEO of West Central Community Development Corporation (2017-present)
Job Titles:
- Inc. in 2022 As a Project Manager
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Mr. Ziegler joined Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. in 2022 as a Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider. He has over thirteen years of combined experience in utility billing, finance and utility management of water, wastewater and storm water utilities. He managed construction projects and their respective financial reporting for water and wastewater involving USDA Rural Development, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Small Cities Development Grant programs. He is proficient in Banyon Data Systems (a municipal government software for fund accounting, payroll and utility billing), Springbrook enterprise accounting software, Integrated Financial Services accounting software, QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel. Mr. Ziegler uses these gained skills to assist finance officers and town boards in making sound financial decisions and managing their systems.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- Programs Director
- Field Operations Director
Christopher (Chris) D. Jewett is the Field Operations Director for MAP. He oversees Five Regional Field Managers to ensure MAP policies and procedures are executed efficiently, and deliverables are achieved in a proficient manner. Additionally, he ensures relationships with state agencies, industry partners, community leaders, and industry vendors are sustained. He previously served as a Regional Field Manager for all nine MAP states at various times, and as a Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) in Iowa. He has been employed with MAP since September 2010. Prior to MAP, he served with the Missouri Army National Guard as an Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) Soldier for twenty-four plus years in several capacities, before retiring as the Operations Sergeant Major for the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. He has a diverse portfolio of certifications and self-enhancement courses ranging from personnel management, training, leadership, human resources, environmental, HAZMAT, safety, emergency management response/planning, equal opportunity, finance, logistics, legal and water distribution.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Curt Bigge joined MAP in 2022 and has over twenty years of experience in health, safety, and environment implementation in tribal and non-tribal communities. He is a certified water plant operator with experience overseeing water repair and construction projects as well as training and monitoring water quality technicians. Curt has extensive experience conducting risk / vulnerability studies in preparation for developing safety and emergency response plans. Prior to joining MAP, Curt worked as a Project Coordinator and an Inspector in various locations world wide for over 12 years.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Dave joined Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. (MAP) in 2022 as a Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider (TAP). He has over twenty years of experience working with every aspect of small city utilities. He holds several Missouri DNR certifications; Water Treatment (Surface and Groundwater experience), Wastewater & Collection Systems (Industrial and Municipal experience), Distribution Systems, and is a Missouri licensed journeyman lineman. He has worked as Chief Operator, Utility Superintendent, and City Administrator. Additional training includes US Navy Nuclear Power Operator/Electronic Tech, National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS) & Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Dave's greatest joy is solving problems, so he looks forward to working with you to help you through your current situation, big or small.
Job Titles:
- Regional Field Manager
- Regional Field Manager, KS & NE
Dennis D. Carroll joined MAP July 2014 and brings with him two decades of experience in human resources, management and finance, and organizational leadership. He is a Board Member for the Sanitary Improvement District 3, a member of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Training Coalition Team, and possesses a Grade IV Water Operator License in the State of Nebraska. Prior to MAP, he served 26 years with the Army National Guard in numerous capacities. Dennis served a year in Iraq, overseeing the water and wastewater distribution systems for a population of over 13,000. He has 9 years' experience in training management to include classroom curriculum development and instruction. Dennis has a BA degree in Human Relations and has received training in the following areas: Nebraska Basic Certification Program for Emergency Management, National Incident Management Systems, Introduction to Incident Command System, and Orientation to Emergency Manager. He has worked with a number of communities during state emergencies assisting with the following: man-power, environmental compliance, safety, finance, logistical and water distribution.
Derrick Luebbe joined MAP as a Technical Assistance Provider in September of 2018. He is certified in both water and wastewater in Nebraska. Derrick served for over seven years as the water, wastewater, and street superintendent for the Village of Staplehurst in Nebraska. He has experience with the daily operations, trouble shooting, and handling of emergencies of a water and wastewater system. He is knowledgeable in managerial duties and in building relationships with regulatory agencies, and is familiar with grants. Derrick was a member of the local volunteer fire department where he gained knowledge in other areas such as National Incident Management Training.
Job Titles:
- HR Facility Communications Coordinator Phone
Current position: Client Development, Schwab-Eaton Engineering. 2011-present
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Jackie joined MAP in December of 2020 to assist rural communities in South Dakota. Jackie began her municipal government career in 2004 as the Finance Officer for the City of Clark. There she managed a $2+ million budget for water, wastewater and general government and oversaw several departments. Over her 16 years as finance officer, she worked on several construction projects overseeing the funding applications for USDA Rural Development, state SRF program, SD DENR Consolidated and CDBG loans and grants, monitored the construction and continued with the follow-up financial reporting.
As Finance Officer, she was responsible for budgeting, fund accounting, payroll, zoning, HR, code enforcement, council meetings, training and the city acquisition of the local golf club. She designed the city's operations manual and the city's website. Jackie is proficient in Banyon Data Systems (municipal fund accounting, payroll and utility billing software), QuickBooks and Microsoft Word and Excel. She was president of the Northeast Area Finance Officer Group for 4 years and mentored several finance officers in that area. Jackie has a background in technical writing where she produced hardcopy and online training and operation documents for a major insurance company.
Jackie received her Municipal Clerk Certification from the University of South Dakota in 2009 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Marketing and International Business from Mankato State University in Mankato, MN.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Jascha Pettit has an Environmental Science degree from St. John's University. Previously employed by Natural Systems Utilities, he advanced his knowledge and ability significantly by operating many unique wastewater systems. He was responsible for client communication, site evaluations, trouble shooting, repair & maintenance, sampling, reporting, and treatment adjustment. He was an operator of the systems as well as a manager. He holds a class C Water, Wastewater, and an SSTS provider license in the state of MN.
He has been working with many of the tribal and rural community operators and managers on compliance and assisting with education and operations. He has also been working to promote increased awareness about decentralized treatment and bring educational opportunities to the public. During his time with Midwest Assistance Program, he has also worked with the Private Well Program and Rural Development projects. Jascha was raised in the central Minnesota lakes area, and has a great respect for the environment. He is married to Laura and has a daughter, Reese. In his free time he enjoys being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his brothers. Jascha looks forward to continue assisting and increasing the capabilities of rural and tribal communities.
Job Titles:
- Internal Programs Manager
Karen Thomas has been a Technical Assistance Provider for North Dakota since 2016. During this time, she has been assisting communities with water and wastewater issues as well as conducting trainings that support water operators and other community leaders. Additionally, she has assisted in the development and implementation of workshops for basic water operator math and emergency response planning for small water systems. She came to MAP with over 20 years of business experience having owned and operated several businesses giving her extensive knowledge in budgeting, creating action plans, bookkeeping, staffing, and customer service. Prior to becoming a Technical Assistance Provider, she was involved with the local chamber of commerce and served on a committee helping young entrepreneurs receive scholarships. Karen was a spokesperson for a large corporation for 8 years and traveled extensively speaking and training the public on a variety of subjects. She also has 10 years of experience in education and has taught multiple subjects. She holds a B.S. in Zoology from University of California Santa Barbara and a M.A. in Education from the University of Phoenix. She loves working with people and is passionate about teaching and helping others achieve success as well.
Kelli is a GIS Technician for Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. and is based out of Minnesota. She holds a M.A. in Geography from the University of North Dakota, a B.S. in Geoscience from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, and a certificate in GIS. She has previously worked in the utilities, facilities management, and environmental industries as a GIS Tech. This has given her experience in collecting and analyzing data, map making, and creating a variety of web-based apps. She is very passionate about GIS and all its capabilities, and looks forward to helping rural and tribal communities find innovative geographic solutions.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- Finance
- HR Director
Kerri Jewett Joined MAP in 2013 as an Executive Assistant. She is currently the Finance/Human Resources Director. Kerri earned a BSBA in Accounting and Management in 1993. She brings over 20 years of experience in the accounting field including public and private accounting, as well as retirement plan administration. She previously worked at Citizens Bank and Trust as a retirement plan administrator for 7 years.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Kristina Hartley previously served as a Director of Public Works for five years and has ten years working experience in Industrial and Municipal Water and WW treatment and management. Ms. Hartley is an experienced professional, with a strong emphasis in environmental safety and health. She maintains the highest quality standards to avoid cost and time expenditures. She is a quality and safety specialist with the ability to analyze operations, pinpoint areas for improvement, and implement plans that generate results. She has excellent relationship building skills with exceptional success in forming strong, sustainable relationships and securing consensus amoung cross-functional team members for key initiatives.
Job Titles:
- Regional Field Manager
- Regional Field Manager, SD & WY
LeAnn is the Regional Field Manager for South Dakota and Wyoming and is responsible for overseeing staff in these states and managing state and federal contracts.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- Executive Director
Michael Brownfield is the Executive Director for Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Mike has served MAP in all areas, from Technical Assistance Provider to Program Manager. Mike has been with MAP since 2009. Under Mike's leadership, MAP has grown over 300% and is assisting more small rural communities under more programs. Mike retired from the military with over 26 years of service which includes time with U.S. Marine Corps and the Missouri Army National Guard. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1987 with a degree in Management and Data Processing.
Job Titles:
- Regional Field Manager / Iowa and Missouri
- Regional Field Manager, MO & IA
Monte Kerchal joined MAP November 2018 and brings with him two decades of experience in physical security, human resources, and organizational leadership. Prior to MAP, he served 33 years with the Army National Guard in numerous capacities. Monte served 15 months in Iraq, some of that time included working in the Civil Military Operations Cell overseeing the water and wastewater distribution systems for a populations of over 13,000. He has 15 years' experience in training management to include classroom curriculum development and instruction. Monte has an Associate's degree Automotive Technology and has received training in the following areas: Fiscal Law Course, Commander's Safety Course, Physical Security Inspector Course, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention Training Course, Operations Security Officer Certification level II, Anti-Terrorism Course level III, Hazmat Safety Course, Unit Status Readiness Reporting Course, and Training Management Course. He has worked with a number of communities during state emergencies assisting with the following: man-power, environmental compliance, safety, security, logistical and water distribution.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- External Programs Manager
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Technical Assistance Provider