Hannah VanDerHart
President & Chair
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
Treasurer
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.
Smita Volz
Secretary
Smita Volz is an Analytics Manager at Wells Fargo. She has Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Business Administration from Graceland University; and a Masters of Business Administration from Drake University. With her Indian and Nepalese heritage, Smita is actively engaged in the Asian American community, sharing her passion for culturally rich diversity in Iowa. She is an ardent supporter of several non-profit organizations and is sharing her talents, ranging from choreographing Bollywood dances, coaching First Lego League teams, organizing events, and volunteering at local schools.
Rick Ballinger
Director
TechJourneyDanielle Brommer
Director
Danielle is the Chief Growth Officer for Lean TECHniques. With more than a decade in the tech industry helping organizations attract, develop and retain top tech talent, she has a passion for diversity in the workplace. She has served on committees focused on educating and advancing women and other underrepresented workforce as well as local youth in the DSM tech community. She believes it is critical to broaden and diversify the tech talent pipeline to ensure a more inclusive and robust workforce for generations to come.
Mark Frederick
Director
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
Director
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.
Joe Ollendick
Director
Joe is the Chief Technology Officer for the International Association of Better Business Bureaus. At IABBB, Joe drives the innovation and operations model of the BBB Brand across Mexico, US and Canada. He holds a degree in Finance and has over 25 years experience leading multidisciplinary teams to reach their goals and objectives using technology as an enabler. Joe became involved in Tech Journey by volunteering as a Tech Camp instructor and has a passion for growing youth talent and promoting Des Moines as a recognizable technology innovation hub.
Tom Pesek
Director
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.
Tim Sieber
Executive Director
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.