Ben Lors
Ben is a Strategic Data Architect at John Deere Financial using his leadership and experience to produce advanced technology solutions that help feed the world. Lors resides in Norwalk with his wife and four children. His three daughters make him particularly passionate about getting girls involved in STEM-related careers.
Hannah VanDerHart
Hannah is an Information Security Analyst at Principal Financial Group. She has a math and computer science degree from Simpson College and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Iowa. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and volunteering to help students get excited about STEM.
Andrea (Andi) Krieg
Andi, originally from Argentina, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an Accounting Degree and is currently the Channel and Merchant Risk Monitoring Manager at John Deere Financial. She is an advocate of education as a means of breaking the poverty cycle and reaching one’s fullest potential. Andi’s active participation with Tech Journey, Findley Elementary School’s English as a second language program, and John Deere Des Moines Area Women Employee Resource Group has provided her the platforms to be an advocate for children and adults that are less fortunate.
Laura Currie
Laura is a Senior Assurance Associate and certified public accountant at RSM US LLP. She is a graduate of Buena Vista University with degrees in accounting and corporate mathematics. Outside of work, Laura enjoys running races, playing tennis, and volunteering.
Megan Bannister
Megan is freelance writer and digital marketer. Currently she works with Project 7 Design as a content creator. Previously she served as the Iowa Editor of Silicon Prairie News, which is how she initially became involved with Tech Journey. Since then Megan has helped spread her passion for STEM education by helping Tech Journey tell its story in print and online.
Chris Bergman
Chris serves as the Executive Director of Learning and Innovation in the Johnston Community School District. Within her role, she supports teacher leadership, professional learning, leadership development, and business partnerships. Creating authentic experiences for students and making connections to the skills and dispositions needed for success as a productive citizen are two of her charges.
Ron Edwards
Ron is Associate Chief Counsel at John Deere Financial. With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, he is responsible for providing legal guidance to the company’s US wholesale lending operations and advising on cross-border lending transactions in Latin America. Edwards recently served on the Board of Directors for the Two Rivers YMCA, as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Bethany for Children and Families, and as Chairman of the John Deere Political Action Committee. In addition to Tech Journey, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Des Moines Symphony.
Mark Frederick
Mark is Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of MakuSafe, a technology startup developing cloud analytics and wearable technology designed to protect workers. At MakuSafe, Mark leads the design and development of their wearable device and cloud analytics platform, leveraging his experience in machine learning, cloud computing and Internet of Things. Mark and his family live in Des Moines, Iowa, where he’s actively involved in international charity work. He’s taught multiple classes to youth at his local school, including robotics and programming. Mark is a Computer Science graduate of Northwestern College.
Katharine Lindgren
Katharine is a Business Systems Analyst at Berkley Technology Services. With a Master’s in Business and Information Technology and a Project Management Certificate, she has over seven years’ experience in information technology as well as higher education working as an instructor and Information Technology Chair. She is the mother of a wonderful six year old and enjoys spending time with her family and running outdoors.
Tom Pesek
Tom is a product manager for Emerson Automation Solutions in Marshalltown where he focuses on new product development. He is a founding member of Area515 Des Moines Maker Space and enjoys helping people, especially the young at heart, learn how to create and make.
Brad Schabel
Brad is currently the Operations Manager for Schabel Solutions Inc., a family owned business which offers coaching and consulting services in the areas of equity, cultural competency, diversity and inclusion to businesses, educational and not-for-profit organizations. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with an MA in History and a BA in History and International Studies. Outside of work, Brad enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, traveling and volunteering.
Tim Sieber
Tim’s passion is developing and implementing programs that inspire youth to engage in computer science, coding, robotics, digital making and creativity. With almost 25 years of corporate, non-profit and higher education experience in information technology, computer programming and technology infrastructure, Sieber understands the issues and challenges with preparing our future technology workforce. Tim lives in Johnston and enjoys spending time with his family, serving the local church and traveling.