Kelsi, a Clayton County native, was inspired by her small-town farm roots to develop a deep appreciation of the great outdoors.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in both Environmental Policy and Philosophy with a Certificate in Sustainability. After college she entered the solar industry, discovering a passion for clean energy and community outreach. She joined the energy district movement in August 2024 as the Clayton County Energy District Coordinator. She is excited to work for the people of Clayton County by reducing the percentage of income spent on power (energy burden), which simultaneously conserves natural resources, reduces emissions, and keeps local dollars in the local economy.

I am a retired dentist and live with my wife, Sue, in Guttenberg. We installed geothermal heat and air conditioning and a solar array in 2007 when we did a major remodeling project on our house. The payback on both projects is complete and we are now reaping the rewards of renewable energy. I serve on the board of the CCED because I have long been a conservationist and I completely agree with the mission of providing clean, efficient, affordable and local energy.

As a city manager and member of a municipal power agency I oversaw municipal utility projects and developed community solar policies. Serving on the County Energy District Board allows me to continue this work and promote solar initiatives.

Kevin Baumler is a West Union, IA native and current resident. His family owns a local farm equipment dealership on the outskirts of town. In pursuit of higher education, he attended Hamilton Business College and obtained a degree in Accounting. Kevin has two grown sons. For many years he coached and supported their achievements, from competing in youth sports to college wrestling. Currently he is the Vice President and a Commercial/Ag Loan Officer with Community Savings Bank in Garnavillo.  Kevin has 38 years of experience in lending and 32 years in community banks.  Kevin joined the CCED Board to educate himself and others about clean energy. He believes clean energy technology will continue to grow for many years.

Joleen lives south of Elkader near the Motor Mill. She and her husband, Jim, are parents to three grown children. In addition to the CCED work, she owns and operates Jansen Products, a local web development business, and is the energy district startup coach for the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa. Joleen grew up as a proud Dubuquer and is a Coe College graduate. She began her professional career as a clinical medical technologist. She worked as the environmental sanitarian for the City of Dubuque and Winneshiek County; and Winneshiek’s zoning administrator. In 2014, after attending a Winneshiek Energy District solar workshop, Joleen and her husband decided to “go solar.” During that time, she learned about the energy district concept and wondered if it could be replicated in Clayton County. After months of exploration, she and a group of local clean energy champions incorporated the Clayton County Energy District, the 2nd ever energy district! Since then, Joleen has helped grow the “green meets green” energy district movement throughout the state and region. The Jansens solar power their acreage, drive an all-electric Chevy Bolt, and use an electric heat pump to heat and cool their home and hot water.

Katrina grew up in Elkader and is a 2008 graduate of Central Community High School. She graduated from Clarke University of Dubuque in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and acted as co-president of the sustainability club on campus (CLEAN-Clarke Leading Environmental Action Now). She was also the director of the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette from 2013-2015. Katrina enjoys reading and cross stitching in her spare time. “I enjoy bringing clean energy options to Clayton County, and I find local production even more intriguing. I’m proud to be a part of this organization.”

Jenna Pollock is a native of Clayton County and currently serves as the Executive Director for the Clayton County Conservation Board. A 2008 graduate of Valley Community High School of Elgin, Jenna graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in Decorah in 2012. Jenna has a deep-rooted love for the natural environment born from her experience in agriculture. Jenna currently lives near Volga on her family farm and assists with raising hogs, cattle, and crops. In her first-year on the Empower Rural Iowa Grow Task Force she’s engaging with a leadership development program to inspire and engage community members for a brighter future for Clayton County. Jenna joined the Clayton County Energy District to learn and help educate others about practices and policies that work to reduce energy consumption, protect the natural environment, and provide economic development opportunities to improve quality of life in her community.

Kathy is the Elementary Principal at MFL MarMac Elementary School in Monona.

I decided to join the CCED because I had been receiving the board notes and minutes and found the mission, the vision, and the discussions about how to increase energy efficiency in Clayton County to be an outstanding initiative! I have great respect for the current board members and the expertise that each brings to the conversation.
Clayton County is a gem. It offers a wide variety of opportunities. I am passionate about keeping the county “green” and available for future generations. Anything that we can do as citizens to provide clean energy-using alternative approaches such as solar, or wind energy, or other sources, is something that I support and am passionate about. I am hoping that we can find solutions for making Clayton County an energy efficient district and look for creative approaches for saving the citizens and businesses financial expense by looking at these alternative ways to provide energy.

Ron is a retired dairy farmer and a Clayton County Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner. Ron serves on the CCED board of directors because he knows the Energy District is helping residents realize the benefits of energy savings. Energy savings can be both environmentally and economically beneficial! He is especially excited by the advancement in the solar industry and the many applications for individuals, municipalities and businesses large and small.