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Council Bluffs, IA: Earlier this month, the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board (PCCB) held its 2025 organizational meeting at the Pottawattamie County courthouse where they swore in a new member, Heidi Hough of Underwood, and elected officers.
Hough was appointed by the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors and sworn in by Supervisor Brian Shea. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the five-member PCCB elected its officers: Jerry Mathiasen of Council Bluffs as President; Chris Ruhaak of Council Bluffs as Vice President; and Brittany McGee of Council Bluffs as Secretary. In addition to Hough and the officers, the board includes Mary Kramer of Neola.
“This is a hardworking volunteer board whose guidance and leadership helps preserve the county’s natural resources, including the globally significant Loess Hills, and provide meaningful opportunities for the public to connect with our beautiful county parks,” said Pottawattamie County Conservation Executive Director Jeff Franco.
Mathiasen added that the PCCB, “is looking forward to working with Heidi and tapping into her variety of expertise as we meet our mission and follow our vision on behalf of our county citizens and visitors.”
Hough has over 20 years of marketing and digital technology experience and is currently the Vice President of Global Ag Dealer Enablement at Valmont Industries. She and her family have enjoyed the county parks for many years, and she has also volunteered for the conservation department.
The retired President & CEO of the local community foundation, Mathiasen has been a board member since 2021 and has previously served as its vice president and secretary.
The board would like to thank outgoing board president Eric Hough for his ten years of service on the conservation board where he helped lead the organization through exciting change including park expansions at Hitchcock Nature Center and campground renovations at Arrowhead Park and Botna Bend Park.
The Pottawattamie County Conservation Board's mission is to provide resources and opportunities that encourage county residents and visitors to appreciate Pottawattamie County's unique natural resources, develop a connection to the natural environment, and foster responsible stewardship for future generations.
